WHAT IS AMERICA?

I’ve been alive on this earth, occupying this vessel called a human body for sixty-one years and three months. My memory takes me deep into my history. Irrespective of being alive for sixty-one years, my life as a human being has been lived for forty-two years.

If America is the home of the Brave
And the land of the free
Is America the place for me

AMERICA HAS SELDOM BEEN AMERICA TO ME

It started with DWB-Driving while Black

Quickly added WWB-Walking while Black

CGHWB-Can’t go home While Black

CWFFTDCWB- Can’ wait for friends to drink coffee While Black

CSIDWB-Can’t sleep in Dormitory While Black

CSBWWB-Can’t sale bottled water while Black

CACWB-Can’t attend Church while Black

AMERICA WAS NEVER AMERICA TO ME

If all persons are created equal

America has seldom been America to me

Why do I have to fight for my Rights

America has seldom been America to me

AMERICA WAS NEVER AMERICA TO ME

When I was Crippled

America has seldom been America to me

When I was physically challenged

America has seldom been America to me

When I was handicapped

America has seldom been America to me

When I was disabled

America has seldom been a place for me

AMERICA WAS NEVER AMERICA TO ME

I AM A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY

America has seldom been America to me

I am a Black Man

America has seldom been a place for me

There’s never been equality for me

Nor freedom in this land of the free

AMERICA HAS NEVER BEEN AMERICA TO ME