A message to academia....
By Kishonna L Gray, PhD Dear white professor I am one of your students I want to talk about Ferguson Do you have a few moments? This entire semester We’ve been waiting and hoping Waiting for the moment For the discussion to open To talk about the reality That black people exist But by your avoidance IT’s a topic you resist This issue is more Than just black and white From what you’ve taught me It’s a lot of people’s plights But here in this moment It is they who suffer but because of your privilege You dare not utter The words. The reality The suffering. The pain Of bullets being riddled Black bodies being slain Regardless of your position No matter your stance We must take the time Open your eyes and glance Yes I’m privileged I don’t have to look But ignoring serves no purpose These live are being took By a system that’s flawed Blemished by design Rooted in the history Hanging from the pines These are things you taught us We learned them everyday History is repeating itself Sociology hit replay The movement is no different Criminology can’t you see You’re replicating a pattern That’s not woven for me Communications you’re not neutral Neither are you fair and balanced Your reporters are in the field Protesters they are silenced Cultural studies thank you For being at the front of the fight But it’s gonna take more, you see For us to take back the night Communities are gripped with fear Businesses thay can manage The protesters have a point to make When property is being damaged In our capitalist society Goods are worth more than life People are more up in arms Without Christmas tree lights I recognize my privilege. You taught me all about it. Do you live what you teach? Or is it time to recommit Remember why you’re here I’m starting to feel diminished You have a responsibility to teach me Your job maybe you should relinquish They said hands up. I said don’t shoot. You took that as a threat We’re not dangerous to you. It was an act of resistance Of solidarity, unity, and peace. For all my brothers and sisters White allies please increase
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Authorfrom the poetic mind of Olivia Keene...(my mama gave me that pen name) Archives
March 2017
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