Why did Rosa just sit down?
Why did Martin march through town?
Why did four at Woolworth's wait?
Why did Thurgood integrate?
Why did Malcolm raise a fist?
Why was Medgar’s life at risk?
Why did Langston’s poems ring?
Why did Maya’s caged bird sing?
Why was Trayvon shot and killed?
Why was Laquan’s life-blood spilled?
Why can’t everybody see
what made Colin take a knee?
Colin Kaepernick is a former professional football player who played quarterback for the San Francisco ‘49ers. During the 2016 season, Kaepernick began quietly protesting the oppression of African Americans by kneeling during the National Anthem rather than standing. Taking a knee as a form of protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement quickly spread throughout the sports world and more. Kaepernick was greatly maligned for his protest by many fans, the football league, and national politicians, claiming his protest was disrespectful to those in the military. His contract was not renewed, nor would any other NFL team rehire him.
OH, Doida, what a great list of questions. I was watching the Super Bowl last week and thought of Colin Kaepernick, wishing again, as I did years ago, that every football player, black and white, and every fan in the stands would have taken a knee during the national anthem. You can bet we would not be in the situation we are in now. We the people have the power to make change, to demand law enforcement does not treat Black people with less justice, dignity, and empathy as white people. Here's to a just world!
ReplyDeleteDenise, Yes, here is to a just world —one day. I’m so proud of the people of Minneapolis and environs for their protests and monitoring of ICE brutality.
DeleteWow... what a poem. You did it again, my friend. By asking the questions, you say so much without having to tell the whole story. Brilliant. Happy Valentine's Day.
ReplyDelete😃 Thank you Cathy. You always make me feel so appreciated!
DeleteI know that wishes aren't horses, but wishing that the events you've given power to, had more power. Sometimes it worked, and often it didn't, sad to say. This is poignant, Doida. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteChange seems slow, and then we move backwards sometimes, like now. :-( I was so inspired personally by Colin Kaepernick. Thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteI love the question format. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Irene. 🙂
DeleteBravo! He gave up a lot to get us here...and we still have so long to go. Your poem helps keep the fire burning.
ReplyDeleteHe gave up his dream and life’s work—to be an NFL quarterback. Thanks Patricia!
DeleteNice to meet you, Doida. Put this out there again, I say--your viral moment is waiting to happen. These questions, stacked and rhyming, have the effect of a small tsunami of history combined with the fire that's needed to change it. And for those who don't know all those names, it's a nudge to investigate. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThank you Heidi!
DeleteThis one SHOULD go viral! I agree with Heidi. Put it out there again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Lee…maybe I will. 🙂
DeleteWow! Thank you for this important poem!
ReplyDelete🙂
DeleteThis is stupendous, Doida! Its time has come again (of course, tragically, its time never went away). Yes, put it out there again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement Karen. 🐥
ReplyDeleteHi Doida! Like the others, I love it. I would share it on Bluesky (I'm not on Instagram or the others).
ReplyDeleteThanks Tabatha!
DeleteThank you for sharing, Doida - agreeing with everyone else that this poem deserves fresh reads. Best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn
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