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When blackness turns into light

Society could not deny
what we saw
with our own two eyes.

We saw blackness
turn into light
soulful stars
illuminating
white nights.

Jackie was a pioneer
his love lifted us 
higher and higher
his black voice
shining bright in 
the white night
his acceptance there
was no denying.

James Brown led the way
when there still 
was segregation
blacks and whites
in Baptist churches
but in separate 
congregations

His voice was strong
his blackness shone
his body contorted
in rhythmic gyrations
his voice was heard
when people listened
and saw as useful
this racial integration.

His strength and stamina
on the stage
and his voice made you 
want to get up and dance
those who saw him
knew that maybe 
racial unity had a chance.

Then came Marvin 
yes that  Marvin Gaye
he blazed a new trail
a new way of thinking
never encountered before,
music with a social conscience
that stirred a whole nation
to even question the war.

Then there was Sly and his
band mates the Family Stone
they were unique and special
mixing races together musically
but they were all alone

Then came Stevie
yes he was a wonder
his talent as a musician
there was simply no doubt,
his music resounded 
a message of peace and
harmony was what it
was about.

Then came Michael
and Prince at the 
very same time
two forces of black nature
twisting and turning their
blackness into light.
Music of healing the world
and the crying of doves
transfixed hateful gazes
into havens of love.

And don't forget 
Luther Vandross and
Teddy Pendergrass too, 
their songs of love
helped conceive a 
million children or two.

If you never lived
at a time like I did, 
growing up with 
Soul music's beginnings
it would be like being a 
football player who
never experienced 
winning.

Now they're mostly all gone
but their music still lives on
we were witnesses 
to the legends
in the making. 
Now the message carries on 
hope is never really gone
it's still there 
for the taking.

John Derek Hamilton
April 25,2016
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