JUNETEENTH:WE BROKE THE CHAINS

June 19th,1865 is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this,actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston,Texas and issued General Orders Number 3 on June 19 almost two and a half years after Presisent Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many African Americans what the fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans.......freedom. It also serves as a historical milestone reminding americas of the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery.It honors those African American ancestors who survived the inhumane institution of bondage as well as demonstrating pride in a marvelous legacy of resistance and perserverance they left us. Even on the journey to discover who we are, Juneteenth allows us to reflect on where we've been ,where we are and where we are going as a people.This article is very important to me and should be to you,especially,if you've never heard of this day.


by LANCE POUGH

LOVE?

You are in Love with Tommy,
B/c his last name is Hilfiger,
But behind closed doors, Tommy,
Is calling u a N**er,

But u could care less,
B/c you have been taught to dress to
impress,
If I ask you about ur true History,
You would have to look on the back of your
jeans & Guess,

You come in the club wearing Versace
clothes made by a homosexual male, Soeven when you say you are straight,
It is very hard to tell

& for footwear, you wear Timberland,

Even under the sun,
That same tree that's the symbol for them, Could have been the same one your
ancestors were hung from,

I cannot forget Nautica,
When was the last memory you have of
ships,
coming to North America in shackles,
being beaten over the back with whips,

& to my beautiful black queens,
whose creative womb has become barren,
I am confused b/c your faces say Nefertiti,
But tour sweater reads Donna Karen

When was the last time you saw Liz Claiborne,
conversing with black women,
but as soon as her name is printed on a purse,
To Macy's you quickly go, running,

Ralph Lauren doesn't even look at black men,
Unless they r driving him around town,
But as soon as that slave master appears on the back of a horse,
You put whatever you have picked up down,

My people reclaim your status in this world & in your life,
F.U.B.U. in case you didn't know, stands (For Us By Us)
Buying black will someday suffice,
Do you know who owns Timberland fashion?

well, Timberland is owned by the president of the KKK,
Surprise? Don't be.
read more books black people,
Always hope for the best & prepare for the worst,
You may not get what you pay for,
But you'll surely pay for what you get.
(Maya Angelou)

This poem is supposedly to be written by Ms. Angelo, I would like for you to post your comments & opinions on the material in this pe om. Jow much of this did u know? & how much of this is new to u now? Please go to facebook.Shone E. Wilkes & post what u feel about this, & how will u make choices concerning what u put on ur back & ur children back!!