Remembering the Times

Ridicule
Discrimination
Enslavement and back-breaking work
on the cotton plantation

Brutal lashings
Enforced segregation
Public lynchings
Sexual degradation

The shadows of racism
ignited civil affects
from Ice Cube's and Chuck D's political lyricism
to the Nation of Islam founded by Malcolm X

Racial barriers in the music industry
had us feeling that being black was a crime
They were broken down by Michael Jackson
Take a moment to remember his time

Once were the sounds of high pressured hoses
and vicious dog barks
which turned to heads bowed in prayer
in silence for Rosa Parks

Men and women unite together
to rebuild our history torn apart at the seams
in order for the young ones to focus
on living out their dreams

Let's put aside our differences
to let freedom ring
especially for our Martin Luther
and our Coretta Scott King