“

I was inspired to write this poem, “A Black and White World” after a recent visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. As I walked through the museum, I felt grateful for everything that the elders (like Dr. King) did to make this world a better place for us, but I also realized that their work isn’t finished. As a generation, we must continue the fight for our civil rights or else hatred will muster up the strength to rear its ugly head and send us right back to square one. I hope my reflectional poem reminds everyone of this truth.

A Black and White World by Summer Knowles

I cried as I walked into the Civil Rights Museum yesterday, thinking

2,000 years ago, my savior was crucified.

200 years ago, my ancestors were slaves,

beaten till the day they reached their graves.

50 years ago, my grandparents were chased by dogs that seemed to have escaped from the living pits of Hell

Well,

now, as I look around,

and see the bodies slain by policemen lying lifeless on the ground,

I realize,

History repeats itself.

And repeats

and repeats

and repeats

It’s an endless cycle that won’t be affected by mere innocent tears

You see, every time we break free,

another chain appears.

We scream

We fight

We try

WE DIE,

but nothing ever changes.

Why?

I didn’t choose to be born.

Didn’t choose this place,

this face,

my race,

and yet, that is all they choose to see.

But it’s what they refuse to see

that is quite amusing to me

They say, “Ignorance is bliss”

I say, “No, it’s blindness”

but I know it’s delicious

and satisfying,

easier than turning to see the people crying,

the children dying.

Which is why they keep on lying.

I cried yesterday as I walked into the Museum of Civil Rights

because after everything they did,

the world is still in Black and White.

“