A Credit to My Race

RL Randall

A Credit to My Race

 

A credit to my race
until this by-product
of urban renewal
rendered a refusal
to occupy their selected space,
For me to be
a credit to my race.

Regarding these voices

Ellison had taught to be
aware of one’s invisibility.
Yet here I stand
Black, and in your face,
You cannot christen me
A credit to my race.

 

  • Author: RL Randall (Offline Offline)
  • Published: June 2nd, 2022 06:30
  • Comment from author about the poem: Growing up in the 1950's -1960's, I hated the phrase " you're going to be a credit to your race" hence this piece.
  • Category: Sociopolitical
  • Views: 11
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Comments2

  • Rocky Lagou

    This is wonderful dear poet, I will never stop fighting for the human rights. And this is a spectacular piece you've conveyed. Freedom and equality for all.

    • RL Randall

      Thank you for your comment. All to often people want you to be what they want you to be, rather than accepting your choices you made to travel the course you set for your life.

    • Kurt Philip Behm

      I met Mr Ellison at a poetry reading with Gwendolyn Brooks when
      I was in College. Both powerful writers...

      • RL Randall

        I have to agree. Your meeting them in the flesh must have been a great experience.

        • Kurt Philip Behm

          It was. I actually got to have lunch with Brooks. I had just transferred
          back East from a Midwestern University, and being a midwesterner, she
          seemed interested in my take on Iowa.

          • 1 more comment



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