Original Collection of African American History Poems

The following collection of original poems honors a handful of the numerous African Americans who have made history and helped mold and shape our nation. It is men and women like those honored in these poems that have persevered and pushed through political and social barriers. They paid a great price by squarely facing off against racism, ridicule, and rejection. Their sacrifices and accomplishments paved the way toward greater and greater racial equality in America.

Great leaders in African American history have come from all segments of society. The influence of African Americans in U.S. history has come from the courtroom, the classroom, the Church, the ball field, the studio, the judge's bench, and the political arena.

There are many more miles to travel on the journey toward racial equality and social justice. In remembering and carrying the spirit of these great leaders in African American history we will continue to press on.

African American History Poems: Rev. Henry Highland Garnet

Hidden in the pages of history is another black man with the passion of King.
One hundred years prior Reverend Garnet said the same thing.
Recognizing equality of all men created by God,
Garnet called for slaves to break the white man's rod.

Among the first to speak to all slaves,
He called for rebellion, but not peaceful, as King would say.
Fredrick Douglas and others refuted his call,
But still his message was justice for all.

Adopting pieces of America's past,
Garnet called for the Declaration of Independence to last.
Reminding us all we fought freedom from Britain's chains,
He called on slaves to do the same.

Revolt, then or now, never a popular term,
Reverend Garnet echoed "Give me liberty or give me death," such great words.
"Resist," "Arise," and "Strike for your lives,"
His message was new to conquered minds.

Garnet quickly faded from the scene;
Pushed by those who sought justice by other means.
Twenty years later the blood bath began,
Not by slaves, but by those who resisted equality of man.

And That's What Jim Crow Means
Stereotypical accusations,
Segregation across the nation,
Put Rosa Parks in the back,
Don't drink from a fountain with a black;
And that's what Jim Crow means.

Separate the kids in school,
Treat the black man like a fool,
Create a caste in the USA,
Don't worry if blacks are treated humane;
And that's what Jim Crow means.

You keep yours away from mine,
If we are not together we'll be fine,
Know your place and stay right there,
There is a price for those who dare;
And that's what Jim Crow means.

Jackie Robinson
Despised and rejected,
Jackie remained unashamed to step on the field.
His play for the Dodgers a greater duty to mankind.

Threatened and taunted,
Jackie let his bat do the talking.
A baseball player and an equalizer.

Proud and humble,
Jackie played with speed and flair.
Stealing home the tip of his contribution to breaking barriers.

Why We Don't Want to Learn African American History
We like to turn our heads away,
But sometimes we must face the shame:
The Ku Klux Klan the white man's bane.

Ashamed to face our history "It was them it wasn't me."
Though true, we must own the memory,
Lest we repeat the same.

Why did it take so long to learn?
Why would we hard hearts not turn?
And some still play the racist game.

Heart-to-heart and hand-in-hand,
We must together pray and stand
With liberty and justice for all.

Sources for historical reference:
African American History Timeline, blackpast.org
An Address to the Slaves of the United States of America, Rev. Henry Highland Garnet, pbs.com
Garnet's Call to Rebellion, pbs.com
Henry Highland Garnet, pbs.com
The History of Jim Crow, jimcrowhistory.org