AN ODE TO MY ANCESTORS GONE BEFORE ME
You could not speak openly about the racism you endured.
You could not speak openly about the enslavement you endured.
You could not speak openly about the abuse you endured.
You could not speak openly about the discrimination you endured.
You could not speak openly about the disrespect you endured.
You could not speak openly about the hostilities you endured.
You could not speak openly about the injustices you endured.
You could not speak openly about the stereotypes you endured.
You could not speak openly about the microagressions you endured.
You could not speak openly about the indignities you endured.
You could not speak openly about the trauma you endured.
You could not speak openly about the grief you endured.
You could not speak openly about the losses you endured.
You could not speak openly about the untold number of transgressions you endured.
You paid a heavy price for me to proudly stand tall in this space and time.
Today, I honor you, I celebrate you, I speak openly for you.
I know you’ve got me. And I’ve got you, too.
