How deep do the waters of self-hatred run
And how wide are the divides that keep us from profiting or supporting each other in a particular way
The wanton annihilation of black business makes entrepreneurs undone.
Who can we blame, when we distrust each other and refuse to negotiate either way?
The concentration of information and the ability to engage each other long term
Through the use of social sites like FaceBook and MySpace and e-mails we say
It’s amazing how the transformation has not effected our community, but it does confirm
That educated individuals have opted to erase real conversation
With trivial easy-speak
While we all try to outwit each other with snide quips and malicious damnation.
And the black intelligensia continues to suffer and bleed.
Our system of education is hemorrhaging articulation and academic matriculation
And distinctive thinking that sustained us and saw us through our time of need
Is becoming buried in neglect and the erosion of our cultural foundation
So much so, it prevents us from moving forward and arriving at life’s next station.
Each day there are miracles and we are waiting around to see
If there is one on the horizon for you and me.
We are hoping for a single saviour who dares to dream an impossible dream
We believed our prayers were answered at the White House that historic day
In a bewitching moment when we saw a gleam
And thought that with the twitch of our noses or the pull of the lever
We had indeed been redeemed.
Such are the accomplishments that are far and few
And no collective thought has been advanced
Regarding the numbers or the statistics we can point to
Of how many black doctors will emerge from ivory halls, given the chance.
There is so little in this music that will inspire generations to finish school
Yet we know that music and related art forms can be our most valuable tools.
We deny ourselves so abhorrently and with reckless abandon
That we question if institutions like Morehouse should still be standing.
But we continue to use the language of contempt and abject depravity
And we support recording concerns the promote violence and general insanity.
We laugh and joke nightly because we need the relief
From the bleakness that is this condition of ignorant bliss
We make fun of the Huxtables and the success they portrayed
And rather than aspire, we find it easier to walk away.
Who would have thought that we were the ones who would come out and declare
That we don’t deserve equitable treatment, not in the schools, the streets or anywhere?
It’s hard to fathom
That in only 20 years we are willing to deny the 200-year chasm.
Who could have imagined that we would refuse to fight for the rights
We once coveted and ached for, bled and died for
Only to arrive at this lunatic state we choose to ignore
And convince ourselves and others we don’t need it anymore.
Countries like Israel and warring Middle East nations
Continue to fight for the promised manifestation
Of quality of life and the promise of the future
Ideals we have abandoned for a pocket computer companion.
Don’t be so eager to utter disparaging words
Don’t be so anxious to injure each other and render the dream dead.
To believe that your brother’s demise will benefit you is absurd.
Not sure of what this malaise means to you?
Research the history of how when a culture’s values are fading away
Lives get ruined, families decay
And communities are destroyed in a matter of days.
So now while we move about in circles and don’t know what to do
Gather your thoughts and embrace your capacity
To end the cycle of pain and mendacity.
Work together to heal and find a cure
For the plague of apathy and self-effacing lure.
Peace.
