Turnaround by Dee Allen
One hundred and eighty Degree turnaround Made several times In one lifetime— From numbers runner and burglar Breaking into mansions of moneyed White men To writer and Muslim messenger Reaching into hearts of defeated Black men. From hep cat in a scarlet zoot suit Strutting over Boston bricks, later N.Y.C. To harsh judge holding court before the M.I.C. Charging the Caucasian with being the greatest Kidnapper, robber, murderer, enslaver, swine-eater on Earth. From just another criminal and prisoner In the American Nightmare, someone else’s Dream To an amazing, powerful, needed critic Of American hypocrisy, another’s democracy Tearing the veil clean off for African eyes to see. From a servant of separation In the person of Elijah Muhammhad in Harlem To a servant of unity Who embraced the true Muhammhad in Mecca. From being Detroit Red to Brother Malcolm to El Hajj Malik El Shabazz who dropped his Old name, long chained to his ancestral slavemaster’s Whip-hand. Shifty Negro turned strong Black man
Experience Naropa OPEN HOUSE Discover. Connect. Engage.
Friday, August 2nd 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Nalanda Campus 6287 Arapahoe Ave. Boulder, CO
Who joined all sexes and races, Including his own people, Also mine, against the true threat to humanity Which silenced his voice, but not his messages: This divisive nation, as it stands. By any means necessary.
For more information and to RSVP visit: Naropa.edu/experience-naropa
Dee Allen is an African-Italian performance poet based in Oakland, California. “Turnaround” was previously published in her book Stormwater: Poems [2012-2016], POOR Press, 2017. BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE
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On August 2nd, Naropa University will throw open its doors to prospective graduate and undergraduate students from across the country and around the world at Experience Naropa—a whirlwind of activity designed to open minds, spark creativity, and begin to create the bonds of community. Tour campus, attend sample classes, and meet students and faculty who are changing the world for the better. Come for the answers to your questions, and stick around for an engaging afternoon full of lively activities and passionate people. For prospective students, family, and friends.
JUNE 27, 2019
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