Momma do you see this; is heaven looking down? Is Medgar there with you? Do Martin, Malcolm, Bobby, John, Fred, Jonathan, Little Bobby and Huey see it too?
I remember your screams the night Medgar died and those phone calls from your Jewish boss urging you to stop pushing for me, us to ride the school bus to better education. I remember the promotions you didn’t get and the threats you did because you refused to give up the fight. I remember your tears when brother took that summer bus ride and your tears when he came home in one piece. And the terror you took out on us in anger when they bombed Panther HQ in Denver; you thought we were dead. Momma I remember your frustration when it seemed so many had given their lives for an America that tooth and nail fought change.
I have never missed you as much as I do today. I wish I could see your eyes and hold your hand on this night when the Dream that Martin spoke and you unceasingly fought for finally buds into manifestation. And in the city you fought so hard to change no less. Girl, you did it; we’ve ascended a new level. Thank you momma and thank everybody there with you. I’m so proud to be your daughter. You didn’t live to see fruition, but girl, I’m shouting tonight for you. African America is shouting to night for each and every one of you. We overcame and change done come.
