February 4, 2015
A Poetic Tribute to Black History Month
by J.B. Banks and Henry L. Jones
Image Credit: Henry L. Jones
February is National Black History Month. A time to recognize, celebrate and embrace the collective contributions of African Americans through literature, awareness programs, and events on local and national levels.
Accordingly, here are a few creative pieces authored by Black artists, dealing with the African American experience — for your edification and enjoyment.
LIKE WINE, WE RARE
Defiant hair,
Undeniable flair,
"Attitude" to spare,
Like wine
We rare,
Full hips
More-than-our-share lips,
Skin that's been
Sun Kissed,
Like wine,
We rare,
Sassy and bold
Breaking the mold,
Our greatness untold,
Like wine,
We rare
(C) 2006 J.B. Banks
From Menes to Madness
Days of black glory
When the gods counted our eyes
as we slept
our praises and songs
turned into savage grunts
by nomads
who roamed the fields
for corn and bloody meat
as we counted the stars
after thousands of years
what remains?
broken noses
of our nation builders
defaced and defamed
to leave white images
as the only form of beauty.
(C) 2008 Henry L. Jones
