Freedom – An Original Poem

Hello everyone, 

I hope you are not tired of my poetry because this is definitely not the last.

I am so happy that mainstream media has been overflowed with words, videos, and pictures advocating for racial equality and justice. Media is a huge catalyst in our culture. It has the power to get thoughts rolling, conversations started, and feet put into action. I am proud to use my small corner of media to support racial reconciliation.

I have another original poem for you guys related to the 20th century civil rights movement, and the freedom won from the victory that took place in the 50s and 60s. I absolutely love studying and honoring those men and women, who decided to do the exact opposite of their oppressors. They were nonviolent. They were peaceful. They were reformers, who changed this country for people like me. I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. 

(Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images)

Here is a poem in their honor.

Freedom

1950, and I am trying to find a light

Nothing is going to make my skin look white

The end of the tunnel looks dim

If you fight, they tear you limb from limb

It is the deep South because we are all in a deep pit

Certain folk push us in or they’d have a fit

We don’t dare climb to the top to Freedom

But I dream on and on and I laugh as I see them

We dwell in the muck and dirt

Dreaming of change, the longer they push us down and hurt

1960, the ‘55 bus boycott was victory in Alabama, people are showing peace

Thought we were going to fight with war to get their hands off the leash

King preaches love and non-violence, and I believe

We will be out of the pit, wait and see

1970, no more colored signs, I still get stares

But deep down I don’t really care

There are people on TV brown as the earth

I can go to the ballot and show what my vote’s worth

It is not perfect but roots are already trees

We climbed out of the pit and Freedom is the place to be.

Just like those who persevered in the past to change their plight, let us mimic their endurance as we try to make this country full of more equality, justice, and unity. Thousands of souls in action definitely can make a difference. 

What are some ways you have been bridging the divide called racism? Are there any questions you have on the subject? Let me know in the comments below or contact me here.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ~ James Baldwin

~ Kenedy M. 

All images courtesy of Google images.