Hero Day

HERO DAY From the depths of history, their stories unfold, Of black men and women with spirits untold, In defiance of chains, they rose above, Their hearts relentless, fueled by love. African kings and queens, proud and revered, Adorned with grace, their power endeared, Leading their people, with wisdom profound, In the face of oppression, their courage resound. Through the darkness of the Middle Passage, They carried hope amidst a barbaric rampage, Spirits unbowed, though shackled in chains, They saw the light, as liberation rains.¹² From Harriet Tubman's guiding light, To Frederick Douglas, marinating insight, They fought for justice, their souls ablaze, Braving dangers, in emancipation's maze. The echoes of Sojourner's words ring true, "Am I not a human, deserving rights too?" Disrupting conventions, they questioned it all, Their voice a clarion, tearing down walls.²° Astride the saddle, majestic and strong, Buffalo Soldiers, their honour belongs, Protecting the frontier with unyielding might, They battled adversity and darkness took flight. In Montgomery, a humble seamstress arose, Rosa Parks, unwavering, her bravery shows, With courage on her side, she took her stand, Reclaiming her dignity, a symbol in her hand. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary light, His dream etched in hearts, day and night,³° With words as his weapon, love as his shield, He shattered barriers, equality revealed. So, let us pay homage to the valiant hearts, Who bridged the bondage and mount heights Their heroics celebrated, their stories embraced, In their triumphs, the spirit of freedom is traced. "Hero Day" we name it, with honor and cheer, A dedication to the heroes, far and near, For their bravery, their triumphs we hail, In unity, their legacy shall forever prevail.4° Dedicated to: African-Americans and Africans in diaspora VICK MANUEL POETRY {VMP} Copyright ©? November 2023.