I Am Black History

From Africa to America spanning the world, quite possibly My DNA struggled to survive to make me, My existence is a testament to survival fitness, My life is to nurture the future and bear witness, the past, My name is the name to property they gave, My heritage my lineage is that of a slave, Yes, slave, property, harsh words to hear, Great Granddad was born enslaved, three generations too near, Granddad laid bricks, played music and sang, Hope from Grandma’s illiterate lips, I sprang, A lineage broken in Georgia or Carolina south, passed on and on by word of mouth, The legacy must pass through me to give my children power, For their momma’s line stepped off the Mayflower, In both I must help them see honor, For the strength and the pride that made me must endure, Listening, and teaching, and learning I press on without blame, Learning from the past about my past I move on without shame, Each new day, new creation, I write the story, One of survival, renewal, reflection, doggedly pushing toward glory, I am black yesterday, I am black now, I am black history.