A Time to Live

We are the children of God, the almighty creator Need we seek any further confirmation?

We need not your approval or sympathy, and your patronizing words we will no longer accept We require no pity because we are not the product of neglect We do not request, but demand respect

We do not live in the shadows of past oppression Because we are proceeding down a path of perseverance and progression

Violent, lazy, dilatory, ignorant, and shiftless Inept, bitter, angry, and listless

We are unstained by your stereotypical point of view Because, who we really are, you haven’ t got a clue

Together we form the body: The brothers are the spine; the sisters are the heart Together we form the mind: We live and love with the passion of no other God knows, it’ s an honor just to be a brother

I take pride in knowing only a sister can complete my life A black woman is my mother, and a black woman is my wife

In unity we seek our salvation Because above all we know that God has been our light in the darkness of tribulation

Brown-eyed, black skin, strong hand, Well informed, pure-hearted Blackman

Radiant exquisite enchanting unable to resist her My lady, my queen, my sister

Our hair, our walk, our smile, Our culture, our essence, our righteousness, our style

We are the Kings and Queens— the world’ s supreme The living proof of our ancestors dream Arrived, no longer held back I love being me, because I love being Black 8