So many people I know turned/turns 50 this year.  People born in 1963.  A girlfriend of mine asked me to write a poem for her sister.  As I wrote I thought about the history, power, and the things we endured and continue to overcome and celebrate from the 60’s.  To the 50 year olds, I salute you!

50 Years In the Making…That’s Me

Born in the 60’s, 63 to be exact

This was my training camp for today’s recap

On my original birth cer- ti- fi-cate

My race was Negro or Negra

Protest were held in order to shop and dine in Riches’ Department Store

At some point… your favorite shopping place

Baby Boomer Baby that’s me

Born out of a covert mission, for our parents to populate the earth

More soldiers needed to carry on our future fight

You see

 I was born in the mist of our race’s social movement for civil rights aimed at outlawing social discrimination

You see

 I was born in the mist of our race’s fight for the restoration of our voting rights.

You see

 I was born in the mist our race’s

 Black Power Movement

Encouraging astute Black Leadership to demand political economic self-sufficiency

You see

 I was born in the mist of our race’s practice of civil rights resistance and nonviolent protests, which resulted in civil disobedient with a purpose

You see

I born when songs of peace and not war and lets stay together was the hope through music; and church on every Sunday and Wednesday, was an unspoken commitment for survival, sanity and spiritual growth

Boycotts, sit-ins, race riots, lynchings, marches, and music for social injustices was the power that changed history in my time

Freedom Ride 1961

March on Washington 1963

Voting Rights Act 1965

Immigration and Nationalization Service 1965

Fair Housing Act 1968

All these rights were established in the 60’s… you see

Blood, sweat, tears, organization, commitment, trust and relationships, amongst all races and religions or it could not be

Murders of our most prominent soldiers

Medger Evers 1963

Malcoln X 1965

Dr. King 1968

These travesties could have shattered every movement

But they strengthened the struggles

Don’t you see?

 My parents had to teach me to succeed in spite of other’s malicious misdeeds

50 Years in the Making

That’s me

Foundationally strong to weather any storm

So when I look back at my life’s past

I know the strength that I pulled from to complete every challenging task

I see the hope that was preached to me

I have the courage that was taught to me

I know the spirit the resides in me

I have succeeded with and without a man

I have been down, but not out

I have been broken, but not forgotten

I have children that I chose to parent on the same principles that I was taught to stand

I have family and friends that talk with me, about me, and through me

I am a soldier

50 Years in the Making…That’s Me

By:  Deb’orah Momon

Date:  June 14, 2013