The African American Plight

America has a dark history
which still haunts US today.
From the Indigenous being defeated
To African Americans being mistreated.
Now, history is being repeated
As People are calling for Immigrants to be deleted.

Although America has become a big Mix
Some people want it to be “fixed”.
They are going about it in a way
That breeds instability and dismay.
Asking to change the unchangeable
Wanting to stay same – what is malleable.

Although they experienced a poorer existence
Some African Americans rose through the unfair systems.
They moved to integrate.
Fighting resistance and hate.
But although the laws had changed
the White Man’s heart remained the same.

When they could,
they moved from their Black neighborhoods.
Thinking they earned their place next to Whites.
But the Whites seem to feel they got a raw deal.
They wanted to continue the divide.

So as Blacks moved in, Whites took flight.
But where would they hide?
It seemed to be a Try for
Out of sight, out of mind.
It was quite a Tell
What was becoming the big sell
was the gated community.
But it made sense, as it did reflect
exclusiveness and uniformity.
Since the Blacks had no power, they were being neglected.
Which their communities often reflected.
It’s like they were placed in a hole with very little tools.
Yet they were expected to thrive and bloom.
They should reach for the stars and follow their dreams,
Just not the American Dream –
Which was placed out of their reach.

Yet Immigrants were coming in
Finding, living their American Dream.
While Blacks were at a stand-still, it seemed.
That fueled the belief that their failing
Was their poor mind-set and all their own making.
Then these new immigrants voice the same
Siding with the White Man, giving blame.

But how does it compare –
For newcomers, the system means hope and expectation.
For African Americans,
the system breathes injustice and oppression.
So in reality, these immigrants came with Hope.
Having expectations for a better life.
And for many the system was even welcoming and kind.
But for the African Americans, that was not the case,
It was this system they lived in, and had to fight against.

How do you get up when there is a knee on you neck?
And the full weight of the White Man on your back?
Where do you get the will-power, knowledge and confidence?
When you’re up against a deck that is stacked?

Black Men are incarcerated at much higher rates
that leaves their family in dire straights
Single mother, no income
left with no choice, she turns to the State.
Others judge and become irate.
On the other side
when Whites and White-Collar break the law
they get a slap on the wrist, if any at all.
And if their status is high enough they can bargain.
Or even receive a Presidential Pardon.

So the Black Man continued the struggle
Cries for justice and equality were ignored.
America moved on with –
Just be quiet – get over it – move forward.
That attitude rang true even with some Blacks
Who were able to move up and never look back.

So while their lives were being looted before everyone’s eyes
America easily turned away
Until that fateful day
when America was forced to see
White Power and Privilege on full display.

It’s ominous and strange
that the Black Man is often asked to change
And is even expected to go away.
But isn’t He the One
who was brought here, enslaved and forced to stay?
Where should he have gone, when slavery was done?
Back to the land that he was taken from?
A place that no longer was Home, and to which he was no longer Son?

Is he really expected to change what he was given?
Modify the color of the skin he lives in?
That would be a daunting task.
The audacity for anyone to even ask.

So America, when will you come to terms with your History?
Educate yourself so it’s no longer a mystery.
Face reality, embrace the Truth
And do away with your Conspiracy Theories.
It would be truly historic
For America to have an Ah-Ha-Moment!
That’s when People would realize
that the meaningful change they are seeking
will only come with the change of their Hearts
And a change of the way they are thinking.

America, isn’t it time you take your own advice?
and deal with your present demise.
The demise which you helped to create,
making enemies to channel your hate.
Ignoring the truth, embracing the lies,
Fueling the fears, failing to compromise.

America, are you willing to do what is right?
Or continue to deny the plight of Non-Whites?
You expect them to somehow get over it
But you don’t want them to fight.
And what about the Poor?
Will you keep closing the doors?
You wish for them to go away,
But you help and contribute to their stay.

America, do you think you will see better days
If you continue this path of selfish ways?
Are you sure it’s even a wall that you need?
Or more just and equal ways for all to succeed?
History has shown when you build a wall
It doesn’t resolve the problem at all.
And in time that will crumble, even fall
Until there’s true resolution, once and for all.