Black Excellence

To be black is to be excellent.

To be black is to be empowered.

To be be black is to be admired. Take a walk with me, I will show you. I will take you to fields where the footprints remain and show you the cotton that absorb the tears of my ancestors. I will show you the path that they made that led to the streets of freedom. On the corner of freedom and fear we will stop to hear the echoes of the strongest men declaring equality. Determined women will cry out desperately for fairness and be heard. We will walk through the desolate towns of segregation and  watch the shadows of protest We will follow the march to the neighborhoods and schools One by one the dreams of those before us will become the reality of the generations to follow Look at me. I'll tell you what I see. My eyes hold the vision of every dreamer before me. With my ears I hear the whispered prayers of the faithful ones From my lips I tell the history of Black excellence I share stories of present over comings and declare future victories My voice is strong. My speech is eloquent. My words powerful enough to break barriers and destroy stereotypes. My hands are smooth in texture and my skin is even in tone Those before me, callused and scarred from as they created the pedestal for me to stand on. Upright and with a brave heart I will stand for what is right. I will practice what is true. I will be the example that was set before me. When the day comes for me to take my seat, I will look up with a grateful heart. In awe I will watch the young ones rise up and take their place. And as they pass me on the way up, to each of them I will give a warm embrace To them will be given a spirit of excellence, empowerment and admiration. "Do what is good. Set an example for them in everything. When you teach, be honest and serious" (NIRV) Titus 2:7