My ancestors suffered the degradation of slavery,
Yet, history must paint them in multiple hues of bravery!
My ancestors were ingenious inventors numerous times,
Yet, for their inventions, many of them never got a dime!
My ancestors picked others’ cotton and shucked others’ corn,
Yet justice recognized that for this they were not born!
My ancestors were forbidden to learn to read and write,
Still, many of them covertly studied late into the night.
My ancestors refused to belittle and hate themselves,
Though it seems they were belittled and hated by everybody else!
My ancestors persevered and remained strong.
To survive they had to; slavery was brutal and long!
My ancestors were astoundingly resourceful women and men,
Yes, my courageous ancestors triumphed in the end.
“HOW?”
I’m pleased you’ve asked.
Today my ancestors’ offspring sit on the Supreme Court.
Many of them write current local and world news reports.
Today my ancestors’ offspring are Heads of State.
Many of them can quote New York Stock Exchange rates.
Today my ancestors’ offspring master high level math.
With their BLOOD, my ancestors forged for me a path!
To the youth:
Honor your ancestors by making the most of opportunities
for which they paved the way;
Doing so will send a message that mere words could never convey!
Dr. Joyce Willard Teal
©
