I am...

I am the dream Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of
the equality, the freedom, the hope.
I see no difference in the people I love.
Color remains a word for separation
and does not define my heart.
His march was my march
and I am free now.

I am the road that Harriet Tubman walked on
the sores on her feet and welts
on her back, are the bad names
and glares I've received. Her determination
made it possible for me to stand
here today and call this place
home. Her war was my win
and I am free now.

I am the words of Malcolm X.
the anger, the strength, the wisdom.
I know that my people are
just that PEOPLE. The color
we wear or the language we speak
makes us no less than any other.
His thoughts are my actions
and I am free now.

I am the stubborness of Rosa Parks.
I will not be moved or swayed
for her heart was right and the
law was wrong. Her persistence
made today possible. The courage
to fight without fists has made
today a brighter day.
Her pain is my joy
and I am free now.

I am the river Langston Hughes wrote of...
the music of Billie Holiday, the inventions of
Eli Whitney, the home runs of Hank Aaron.
I am the past
I am the present
and because of my ancestors
I am the future.

*This was for a contest at my school for Black History Month. The theme was " A mirror from the past reflecting into the furture".
Thanks for reading :) *