I get so tired of all these Black fists raised in the air As all these so-called Afrocentrics rave and blare Out their “The-White-man-stole-so-much-from-us” EMPTY, angry rhetoric Yes, this is true but, none-the-less, I am so SICK Of arm-chair, wanna-be Black Panthers or Black National Separatists Sitting on their behinds and just talkin’ bout How we need to come together And plan a collective route To educational, social, and economic freedom And if it aint them, it’s the Civil Rights Era descendants Who sit around whining and pining for somebody to lead ‘em By the hand! But, I just wanna tell you That Malcolm didn’t live nor die Just to supply You With his famous speeches So you could be all-talk/no-action LEECHES Just wearing his image on your chest Or slicing and biting his words Like a false peacock’s crest Of appropriated honor The man WALKED What he TALKED And his “I-love-my-people” narrative Was what he strove to LIVE! And Garvey didn’t put his money Where his MOUTH was Just so YOU could be a Bugler But not a FOOT-SOLDIER for the Cause Long before Ebony & Jet, There was the “NEGRO WORLD” And, then he commissioned the start of the “Black Star Line” And it set sail w/a red, black, and green flag PROUDLY unfurled Upon its mast And, although it wasn’t Long to last He left a legacy of Pride That’s still evident, today, worldwide! And Martin whose “I-am-also-worthy” theme Was a DREAM Of “Look not at my color but at my character” proclamation He didn’t sacrifice his life for fame but to lay a FOUNDATION For you and me So, while you oh-so piteously bemoan all the rich BLACK HISTORY Still lying hidden as an undiscovered, unanswered mystery Of all the many accomplishments and strides That we, as a people, have been robbed of and LIED To about our magnificent greatness Just remember to also POSSESS Some “Don’t just talk about it, but BE ABOUT IT” PROGRESS In your own world and community Because true BLACK UNITY Begins with YOU So stop asking WHO Will lead the pack Just pick ONE thing That YOU see, off-track And work on that Get off the bench And stand at bat If you’re REALLY So in love with all things BLACK!
A call to action. Beyond colorful words. So on point, Cherry. Another phenomenal write. Imma keep this one.
Ohmydayum, Cherry this is a remarkable write! The entire time I was reading I wished I could hear it spoken with an awesome background beat. So, I read it again and added some in my head. It incites! So glad I got to read it! feelin'itsouldeep! Coco
Well, how about I "keep it," and you can have "visitation rights." (lol) To me, Sister Coco, that is, indeed, some high praise!...I, too, hear music when I'm reading some good poetry too!---Thank you again! Thank you!....Just "sharing" in my "sharing." lol