I sat facing the Atlantic Ocean pondering how different my life could have been if my fore parents were not taken as slaves, just like I’m reflecting now. We should never forget the ATROCITY of slavery. Black History Month not only celebrates the achievements of Black people in society, but reminds us that we are all created equal, with the same rights and liberty.
I am ending on a song as this was one of the ways my ancestors communicated during slavery and their struggle. Nina Simone, I wish I could know how it could feel to be free. Originally recorded by Billy Taylor, the song is one of the most symbolic anthems of the civil rights movment and the plight of black people.
I wish I knew how
It would feel to be free
I wish I could break
All the chains holdin' me
I wish I could say
All the things that I should say
Say 'em loud, say 'em clear
For the whole round world to hear
I wish I could share
All the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars
That keep us apart
I wish you could know
What it means to be me
Then you'd see and agree
That every man should be free
I wish I could give
All I'm longin' to give
I wish I could live
Like I'm longing to live
I wish I could do
All the things that I can do
And though I'm way overdue
I'd be startin' anew
Well, I wish I could be
Like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be
If I found I could fly
Oh, I'd soar to the sun
And look down at the sea
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah
And I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah
And I'd sing 'cause I'd know
I'd know how it feels
I'd know how it feels to be free, yeah, yeah
I'd know how it feels
Yes, I'd know
I'd know how it feels, how it feels
To be free, no, no, no