You don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been.
– 2002 Black History Month theme for the African Student Coalition, Monte Vista High School, when I was Vice President
My history is old as time, creeping through universes dotted with bright stars, comets streaking the night sky
Blood of my blood
We’ve crossed oceans in chains, our lovers dying at our feet
God take me! Cries echoing in the dark, deep
Blood of my blood
Our history is a stained ragged thing more precious than fine wine
Our crowns made of gold and chaff stand the test of time
Blood of my blood
I am the sharecropper, preacher, gang banger, housewife, farmer, baker, businessman, and child bride.
I am the mother, deacon, saleswoman, father, thief, singer, bus and train driver.
I am the tap dancer, maid, counselor, and soldier bearing the flag.
Blood of my blood
You are my history
Past
Present
And forever.
DW McKinney 