Take A Stand

Africa

Thus she had lain

sugercane sweet

deserts her hair

golden her feet

mountains her breasts

two Niles her tears.

Thus she has lain

Black through the years.

 

Over the white seas

rime white and cold

brigands ungentled

icicle bold

took her young daughters

sold her strong sons

churched her with Jesus

bled her with guns.

Thus she has lain.

 

Now she is rising

remember her pain

remember the losses

her screams loud and vain

remember her riches

her history slain

now she is striding

although she has lain.

                -Maya Angelou

This poem makes me proud to be an African-American.

I will be performing this poem in mid-February at my school for black history month and I am extremely excited about it. 

So many people remain ignorant of other races and cultures because there are not enough people who are willing to educate people about their heritage.

They are frightened by the thought of being challenged or ridiculed. 

What people need to realize and understand is that standing up for what you believe in is standing up for what millions of others believe in as well. For a change, all that is needed is one brave person to stand up for that change.

I am proud that the ABS (Association for Black Students) at my school is initiating this celebration of black history during the month of February. Many people at this school do not know the history of black people and what we truly mean to the advancement of this society. 

One student named Courtney Kelly will make all the difference at this small isolated school. She is bringing forth the history of black people, but not in a combative way. The sole purpose of this Black History Celebration is to educate others of our struggles in the past and our continuing struggle towards equality. This attempt to educate other races and ethnicities and even our own will make the bond that we all have as SMU students stronger. We will leave the process understanding each other better and understanding is truly the key to  any place where there is a melting pot of people.

Courtney Kelly saw a change that needed to take place at her school..

So.. she's doing something about it,

and I admire her for that.

*I hope this post inspires you to make changes in your life by standing up for what you believe in.

You have the power to make a change.*

  What do I stand for?

I stand for Africa.