Wanted to know what was going on in the world

Excited about everything around me

One’s love for science doesn’t get rid of all the other areas

One of two thousand who sent in applications to NASA 

Physical and mental exams

The medical exam nearly ended her astronaut career before it began 

Relieved when they decided that it was not an issue

Working on her dreams

Training and work experience

One of fifteen selected to be an astronaut candidate

Judged on academics alone

Becoming a candidate does not mean becoming an astronaut

Encouraged her space dreams

If you keep worrying about it, you’re not going to be able to do your job

Follow their dreams 

Responsibility for their lives

Space belongs to all of us

Beauty of Earth

Good fortune 

The deeper meaning to this poem is to follow your dreams and never give up. Mae Jemsio never gave up in her dreams even when it took years to fulfill them. Even when faced with a challenge such as her heart murmur, she still pursued her dreams and never gave up in working hard to achieve them. Mae shows many examples of perseverance and strength and she is an inspiration to follow your dreams no matter how hard they appear to be. I chose to include these lines because they show how Mae Jemison's goal was to achieve her dreams and become an astronaut and these lines also indicate all the achievements that came from her passion and dedication. These lines were inspirational and showed me how life can be hard but you should never give up, you should keep pushing. After learning about Mae Jemison, I can be inspired and strong just like her by following my dreams and never give up. 

Injustice must be exposed…before it can be cured

Somebody had to be willing to do something.

The time had come for change.

We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter. 

Until justice is blind to color, until education is unaware of race, until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of men’s skin, emancipation will be a proclamation but not a fact.

Was it all too much for one man to bear?

The shadow of death that had stalked him for ten years was again drawing near.

Blood oozed from the wound, staining his crisp white cotton dress shirt.

In the end, an assassin’s bullet could never erase…the legacy he created.

Together…there is no other way




The deeper meaning in my found poem, A Fight for Freedom, is despite all odds, it is essential to continue persisting. My found poem follows the journey of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, an activist who went through many tribulations in his lifetime. Contrary to all of these arduous challenges Dr. King faced, he continued to persevere and advanced the Civil Rights Movement. My found poem addresses the problem in America; racism has been woven into the foundation of our world and it would never change unless someone did something. My found poem shows another side of Dr. Martin Luther King. Although King seemed to be a strong, fearless man, he was afraid for his life. The line, “was it too much for a man to bear” came from King’s thoughts. Even though King knew, “the shadow of death stalked him,” as mentioned in my poem, King continued to fight for what he believed in. In the end, James Earl Ray assassinated King. However, King’s assassination was not enough to tear down his legacy or the movement it started. I end the poem with, “Together…there is no other way” to signify the importance of unity. Dr. Martin Luther King may have helped start the movement, but he is not the last person to fight for this moment. We can each make a lasting change, but someone has to be willing to do something. Dr. Martin Luther King was a monumental activist who made many changes, impacting the world we live in today. His legacy has and will continue to live on. 

a frail child who was often sick

Still, he was expected to work.

Owens moved with his family to Ohio

He discovered a way different life than the slow southern life,

replaced by a bigger setting with stricter teachers.

Still, he was expected to work.

Owens quickly made a name for himself as a nationally recognized sprinter

The Buckeye Bullet overcame a severe injury and tied a world record 

It was time for the 1936 Olympics.

Hitler lambasted America for including Black athletes on its Olympic roster,

Owens won the 100-meter event, a furious Hitler stormed out of the stadium

Owens defied Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy

The Buckeye Bullet, James Cleveland Owens.



The deeper meaning of my poem is to always work hard and to the best of your abilities, even if people doubt you. Jesse Owens, an influential track and field athlete showed this action his whole life; for example, Owens was expected to work, even when he was very sick as a child, picking up at least 100 pounds of cotton a day! Throughout his life, we can take something away that is very important; A good work ethic and determination can bring you more success in anything you do. I chose these lines because they highlight key components and factors that happened in Jesse Owens’ life that made him strong and resilient. He defied many racial stereotypes, racist people, and even Hitler’s beliefs! All in all, I chose these lines because they show how sickness, injuries, and oppression did not stop Jesse Owens.

Master and mistress who took a fancy to the little black girl offered for sale on the decks of a slave ship in Boston Harbor

Given her master’s name, Wheatley, and her mistress, who called her Phillis

Well known throughout the New England colonies for her poems

She wrote herself to freedom

The first Negro poet whose work had a wide appeal for the white public was Paul Laurence Dunbar

The charm and humor of this now almost unreadable slave English gave unique color to his work

Prayers, chants and sermons of black preachers which he put into poetry

He needs to find a form that will express the racial spirit by symbols from within

I have attempted to inject a sense of racial color and rhythms into the broader framework of the American language

The deeper meaning of my found poem is to highlight the importance of different poets and their obstacles through life. It sets an example of how Langston Hughes, Philis Wheatley, and Paul Lawrence Dunber fought for what they felt should occur in our world even though most people did not agree, by doing what they enjoyed and were good at; poetry. The poem uplifts people that went out of their way and risked all they had to make a difference and show that if no one was going to do it, there would be no change. I chose these lines because I know that each person who reads it, can take away something and apply it to their own lives, for the better. I also chose these lines to do so because I feel it is inspirational to show that such impactful and influential people have normal, ordinary lives as we do, too. This helps motivate those who need the extra push to do what they feel they should do and leave the world as a benefit to it. All in all, I feel that this poem’s true meaning is to emphasize the importance of poets that were written in tough times and that it can be motivational to those who need motivation in tough times, as well.

With the aid of the courses he took in Chicago…

Even in schools and colleges for the emancipated slaves…

Because of his family’s involvement in the black church, he witnessed the role that this important institution played in the development of the post-bellum community

While working there, he often had the opportunity to visit a black-owned establishment where the laborers would gather 

He was subsequently called back to his alma mater… where he became principal

While improving his French speaking skills, he visited numerous libraries and museums, and learned even more about the peoples and cultures of the world 

Undaunted, he worked on another bachelor’s degree and his master’s simultaneously 

Condemned any educational institution for blacks that failed to make the education relevant to the needs of the students…

The deeper meaning is how Dr. Carter G Woodson devoted his life to making people listen to the history that African American people hold. Dr. Carter G Woodson is the person who established Black History Month. He wrote books to show how black people’s history matters. I included the line “ He sacrificed all of his time, talent, and money to demonstrate to the world that African American history and culture offered an engrossing study for all who cared to pursue it.”  This line shows how much effort he put into his work. I included the line “ While improving his French speaking skills, he visited numerous libraries and museums, and learned even more about the peoples and cultures of the world.” This line talks about how even though he was doing something else he was also learning about the other cultures and not just learning more about his own culture which is what he set out to do. Another quote that I included was “Undaunted, he worked on another bachelor’s degree and his master’s simultaneously” This shows how much energy he put into learning and trying to be the best he could be.  He showed how black people are important to history too. African Americans have a history too and he wanted to show that with what he did and his legacy. He showed how black people can accomplish things too. With his accomplishments he showed everyone how black people can do what everyone else can. Dr. Carter G. Woodson shows how much time and effort he made to share with everyone that African Americans matter. Not only does their history matter but their culture does too. 

The petite Colvin refused

She was tired of standing for white people every day

The police didn’t care that she was a small fifteen-year-old girl

 She struggled against them

She held strong and resisted the demands that she had to get up

refusing to leave a row of seats for a white passenger

became active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

“She ain’t got to do nothin’ but stay Black and die!” 

“He called me a thing”


The deeper meaning of this poem is about how Claudette Colvin wanted justice and to take action to change what was wrong and make it right. Claudette was 15 when she went on a bus and sat where the white people would usually be seated. When the Bus driver found out she was sitting there they called the cops and pulled her out of the bus. From what she has shown she wants people to stand up for what is right no matter how hard and difficult it can be.    I have chosen these lines because they are powerful and show the duration of what happened to Claudette when she was younger. Claudette is an example of someone who was powerful and determined to do what she wanted to do at a young age. Claudette Colvin was an unknown person but she is now being recognized with these lines I included such as “he called me a thing.” No kid should have to go through what she had to do just for a seat on the bus. Another line that I have chosen was “She held strong and resisted the demands that she had to get up.” I chose this line because even though she was probably scared she held up and kept fighting. There are not a lot of people that feel comfortable with what people would say if they were fighting for what is right. 

“Use your minds, but keep your lips closed”

“No matter how deep my hurt, I always smiled.”

“I refused to be discouraged, for neither God nor man can use a discouraged person”

“Be not dismayed whate’er betide” … “God will take care of you”

“A love for the whole human race regardless of creed, class, or color”

“This was part of the training to salvage, to reconstruct, to make bricks without straw.” 

“ They wanted to build a life as free people”. 

“Separate but equal”

“ I realized that the Red rose did not want to be the Black Rose. The black rose did not want to be the Yellow rose. Every Rose just wanted to be itself, have an opportunity to make that self the best self it’s capable of becoming.”

“Invest in a human soul. Who knows? It might be a diamond in the rough.”

“ For Head, Hand and Heart” ...

The deeper meaning of the poem is that we have to love one another as our equals, as we all go through tough times. This poem includes lines from the biography of Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator, and activist. Bethune did not help people because she had to, but because she thought it was the right move to take at the moment. Through her and what she’s done she can teach us that we always need to do the right thing. The first line is saying that as hard as you try to stop someone, you can try again, you can start over and do better. The second line tells me that we don't need to do so much to achieve something, you do what you can, or what you need to do, to get to where you want to be. The third takes a sadder, deeper side, it tells me that she keeps a mask covering her true self. She was restrained from being who she wanted to be for a long time. The 4th gives hope, although religious, it is telling you that whatever may happen, you shouldn't be scared. The fifth is pretty straightforward, it is telling us her dream, what she wants for the world, a loving place where no one is judged based on differences. The sixth is talking about her journey towards getting the school she wanted, where she could teach children that couldn’t go to school before that. The seventh line is talking about how colored people wanted nothing but a life where they could be free, they wanted to build a life for their future generations where they don't have to be scared of being themselves. The eighth line is short but strong, it is saying that even at that time people were being segregated, they were all equal, and everyone was the same. The 9th line is long and very meaningful. It shows that no one wants to be the same, and no one wants to be limited to what they want to do or how they do things. They want to be themselves and enjoy their own lives and be their own person. The tenth line is telling us that we should believe in others and invest in their lives. Everyone is human and deserves a chance to be seen for who they are. The last line is telling us that we must be able to have good judgment, think well, be able to work with our hands, to work towards whatever it is we want to achieve. It also, tells us that for us to get far, we have to use our heads, hands, and hearts. All in all, her actions and mindset impacted not only herself but the entire black society.

I just wished the white people would disappear in a cloud of smoke somewhere forever. 

If you were not white, you were lesser than human. 

This is Life - years of bloodshed but they still don’t consider you human.

There’s no difference between you and I except you get to live and I get to die trying.

Was there some way I could become white? Why was I this color instead of what was popular, adored, and considered okay?

Instead, the humiliating expectations and traditions of segregation creep over you, slowly stealing a teaspoonful of your self-esteem each day. 

Time to learn his place, the Black man was the inferior of the Human Race. 

How could we wrestle them away from their creators, put them in a big pile, and burn them, and then put up our own signs?

Until they have no other choice but to listen to your demands to hear your steady voice.

Freedom is never voluntarily given, it must be demanded by the oppressed.

For there’re things worse than death like being deprived of freedom until you’re last rattling breath.

The deeper meaning of this poem is to always fight for yourself because no one else will. I selected these lines from the poem because they capture what the poem really is about. I chose the lines “Instead, the humiliating expectations and traditions of segregation creep over you, slowly stealing a teaspoonful of your self-esteem each day” and “This is Life - years of bloodshed but they still don’t consider you human”. These lines just stuck with me because it shows that dark place where someone is where they just feel helpless and doomed. You just feel this overwhelming shame and humiliation and you don’t have that motivation to fight yourself. Furthermore, I chose the lines “Until they have no other choice but to listen to your demands to hear your steady voice”, “Freedom is never voluntarily given, it must be demanded by the oppressed”, and “For there’re things worse than death like being deprived of freedom until you’re last rattling breath”. These lines just really showcase the power and determination when you stand up for yourself and not just stay silent. When you start this for yourself because no one else was saying anything it gives you a sense of leadership and initiative over this evolution and the advance that you are fighting for. All in all, I chose to make this poem to empower someone to stick up for themselves because no one will do it but you.

  Side by side they lay, alive, alive , oh so alive, scared of disease

They took the sick and the dead and dropped them into the sea like empty wine barrels

 But wine barrels did not have beating hearts, crying eyes, and screaming mouths

No one knows how many millions died

Except the sharks

Where was my father and my mother?

Why didn’t they come and get me?

Will they ever know what happened to me?

But I’ll persevere so I have a chance of seeing them again

The deeper meaning of these lines is that of my poem is that we should endure the tough times in life. Slaves that were taken from their homeland thinking they would get a better life demonstrated their perseverance and faith. Through their act of enduring slavery for centuries out of hope that they would eventually.I chose these lines because I wanted to show what slaves went through and how slavery affected their minds. Also, it shows how we can connect the perseverance shown by these slaves to our own lives. During tough times, we should persevere through tough times in our lives. By imagining how our lives will be good after this tough spot.Just like the slave in the poem by imagining him reuniting with his parents.

Ashe grew up at the low end of middle class

The races played sports separately

Ashe was determined

He stood beside one of the tennis courts one morning watching Ron Charity, Richmond’s best African-American tennis player

As casually as that, my life was transformed

Ashe never veered from tennis once he began to play

In 1965, he won the United States Intercollegiate singles championship

Mood became somber as he saw the number of “WHITES ONLY” signs

He felt as if he was walking the tightrope

Ashe had been placed under arrest before for his activism

Arthur Ashe stunned the tennis world by winning the first US Open in 1968 as an amateur player

During a time of enormous civil war strife, Ashe’s victory was savored by tennis fans and nonfans alike

Arthur Ashe showed us that sportsmanship even in a highly competitive game and world is a strength, not a weakness

Deeper Meaning

The deeper meaning of this poem is to allow yourself to use setbacks or difficulties and use them to motivate you to achieve anything. Throughout Arthur Ashe’s life, he faced numerous setbacks. Such as frequent racism towards him and his family, segregation in necessities like bathrooms and water fountains, and growing up in poverty. I chose these lines to manifest the incredible impact Ashe had on the tennis community and the U.S. as a whole. For example, “During a time of enormous civil war strife, Ashe’s victory was savored by tennis fans and non-fans alike.” Arthur Ashe’s actions on and off the court inspired so many. Including many black athletes to pursue their passion and not be frightened of how others thought of them. Arthur Ashe became the first black men's professional tennis player in 1969. 54 years later, black tennis players make up just under 10% of all professional players. Arthur Ashe’s actions not only raised the black population in tennis but also influenced black athletes to pursue other sports. These lines manifested Ashe’s ups and downs, but most of all, his determination, confidence and bravery. This poem inspired me to never give up and to work harder in tennis and life in general. Although I grew up in a different time and different situation than Ashe, I can try to use his mentality in my life to become a more determined and assertive person. All in all, Ashe showed us that being in difficult situations does not have to stop someone from being great.

Wright, David K. Arthur Ashe: Breaking the Color Barrier in Tennis. Enslow Publishers, 1996.

Dangerously close to the earth, she pulled the throttle in to give the engine more power

Effortlessly, she flew back to the cloud..

Susan Coleman wanted her daughter to grow up experiencing lots of opportunities

But the only job available for a women were scrubbing, laundry,mopping floors

Coleman did not take any of these jobs

Bessie coleman sent letter to flight schools

Each schools refuse her because she was african american and a women

Coleman signed the contract, and after that she made it a practice flight

Coleman demonstrated the freedom of flying by performing on Juneteenth ...




The deeper meaning of this poem is that Bessie

Coleman had work hard to accomplish

her dreams even though there’s

people who tell her she couldn’t

accomplish it because she African american.Many schools had turn her down from being a pilot because she is African american. That did not stop Bessie from being one so she work hard to accomplish her dreams even though she gets discrimination.  I choose these lines because ,In the beginning of the

poem it states that the plane begins to

dive and and it’s dangerously close to

earth. Then it states that she

effortlessly flew that back in the cloud.

That’s means that she knows how to

control and plane and effortlessly flew

it back into the clouds without any

problems. Then we see it goes into the past where Bessie Coleman's Mom Susan Coleman wanted Bessie to Experience a lot more. The jobs available for only women were scrubbing,laundry,mopping. But Bessie refuses and wants to accomplish more so she applies to be a pilot. Every school refused her since she is African American and she's a woman. But then she found an opportunity to become and pilot and kept practicing. She succeeded in being the first African American woman to succeed to get a pilot license . This proves that you can do anything even if your african-American or a woman and getting discrimination. You can succeed even though there are hard obstacles.

 but I knew I was involved in a situation that would bring opportunities to other blacks.

I was never a biter I always believed in the man upstairs 

Best remembered for becoming the first black player in the American League

Grooming the horses of many wealthy New Jersey families

Developed his skills playing sandlot baseball close to home

lettered in baseball at Paterson Eastside High School

Reconsider his options, as playing baseball in the major leagues now seemed a possibility

 I decided to concentrate on baseball. I forgot about going back to college

 Doby became the first black player to hit a home run in the World Series

Dobby was Cleveland’s most dominant offensive player 

In 1997, the Indians retired Doby’s number 14 on the 50th anniversary of his MLB  debut

 
Deeper Meaning 

The deeper meaning of my poem is to work hard even if people don't recognize your greatness and put yourself in your best situation to succeed in life. Larry Doby was the second ever African American to play in the MLB and was the first African American to play in the American league. He knew that he could go pro; he just thought he would never get a chance. When Jackie Robinson made it pro Larry knew he could have a chance and succeed in the sport he loves and support his family. Larry Doby helped break colored barriers and showed the African American community that they had a chance. I chose these lines because they highlight essential times in Larry Doby’s life. It talks about his personality, childhood, success, and a great ending. Larry Doby was never shown as much respect as he deserved because Jackie Robinson went to the league only 3 months before him. He accomplished great things some players may never do and according to stats he was in some cases better than Jackie Robinson. Larry went through a lot to get to the league and he was also a U.S. veteran. Overall we shouldn't just shine a light on one of the greats others should get the spotlight they deserve for the great things they have done. 

Huey never backed down from a fight. 

Huey had given Eldridge something new to believe in.

Once Bobby believed in something, he would never back down from his beliefs.

Kathleen grew up as a Black woman in the south. This experience lit a fire inside her.

When Fred spoke, people could hear the possibility of liberation. 

Ericka knew that she wanted to be involved in the community, to devote her life to the people

Elaine hurried away, with her head held high, before they could see her cry.

But rather than run away from that reality, she turned toward it and toward the Black Panther Party.

Faces reside there: strong, determined, and proud. 

Dark sunglasses, glinting in the half-light. Crisp leather jackets and cocked berets.

A uniform with meaning.

What did it feel like, what did it look like, to be an inspiration for an entire movement?

The question on everyone's mind, police officers and civilians alike,  was the same. 

Who were these people?

The deeper meaning of this poem is that the strong leaders of the Black Panther Party influenced a revolutionary movement. The black Panther Party was filled with influential activists who fought racism and police brutality throughout their careers. 6 faces of justice and resistance with the power to change lifes.  I chose these lines for my poem because they name all the impactful leaders of the party's strengths or inspiration for wanting to make a change. The lines, “Once Bobby believed in something, he would never back down from his beliefs.”, “When Fred spoke, people could hear the possibility of liberation.”, and “Huey never backed down from a fight.” are introducing the leaders of the party while also stating something that was powerful about them. Even during this time of discrimination, they showed true leadership and power. The Black Panther Party’s courage was definitely an inspiration for many people during this hard time. The line “What did it feel like, what did it look like, to be an inspiration for an entire movement?” mentions just how much of an inspiration they were for those around them who also wanted a change. The Black Panther Party's contributions are still remembered and commemorated today.  They fought not only for black people in the US but for oppressed individuals all across the world.

My mom thought she was as good as anyone else. So did I.

After that, I began to question everything.

For some reason we seemed to hate ourselves.

…but Claudette fumed.  Why did everyone accept injustice?

I was tired of hoping for justice.

When my moment came, I was ready.

But worried or not, I felt proud.

They kept saying ‘You were so brave.’ But others seemed uncomfortable.

They were embarrassed that it took a teenager to do it.

Not a trial to determine guilt or innocence, but an effort to find out the truth.

Whatever was to come, at least the Colvins were not people to back down.

The deeper meaning of this poem is to be courageous, persevere, and fight for what you believe in, even if others around you do not. Many of these lines show what Claudette Colvin went through earlier on and how she advocated for her rights. For example,  I used the quote “They were embarrassed that it took a teenager to do it.” because it shows how Claudette would fight for what she thought was right, even if others around her didn’t.  It shows that she decided to take action herself, because others around her did not, and she didn’t want to keep waiting.  I chose the quote “But worried or not, I felt proud” because it showed that she would do whatever was necessary to see change.  Even if she was scared or worried, she would still fight for what she believed in.  She went through many struggles at such a young age but she was still brave and strong.  While other people were too scared to speak up, she decided to fight against injustice.  She took action herself, because so many people around her did not. My poem can help people understand the story of Claudette Colvin, a courageous woman that fought, and continues to fight for what she believes in.

Woodson, initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week which led to Black History Month

I could not move, because history had me glued to the seat

I am a radical

Woodson immersed himself in the world of education

The prevailing ignorance and lack of information concerning black life and history.

 If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition

Were overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them

I am a radical

In the long run, there is not much discrimination against superior talent.

One of the great mysteries of that time

The country unknown as a producer of black leadership and scholarship rose to the helm of the Modern Black History Movement

I am a radical

The deeper meaning of this poem is to learn and inspire others. Dr. Carter G Woodson educated himself to then go out into the world to teach others. Educating others was his ultimate priority. Many people can learn, and be inspired by his learning experiences.  Dr. Carter G. Woodson, December 19 1875-April 3, 1950. Each line in this poem resonated with me. I included the line, “In the long run, there is not much discrimination against superior talent.” Meaning, that you put in your hard work, in the beginning, no matter how much discrimination you receive. By the end, all your work will be rewarded, and things will begin to become easier. I believe this line is truly inspiring and grabs attention. These lines illustrate hope and a powerful individual who doesn’t get enough credit for his hard work. Dr. Carter G. Woodson was the brains behind the reasoning of why we celebrate Black History Month every February. This poem constantly repeats the quote “I am a radical.” A radical is a person who consistently supports an extreme movement, from a political point of few. Dr. Woodson’s work is empowering and inspiring to all. To summarize, I chose an inspiring man who doesn’t get as much recognition as he deserves. Dr. Carter G Woodson; The Father of Black History.  

Who’s greatest accomplishments and legacy stem from a difficult past,

Referred to as fearless,

A shadow of what it once was.

Bountiful farms and many healthy children,

Torn apart by slave auctions,

Relationships are often complicated,

Which black people were striving to overcome

Intentions and actions

Supported generously

Improved her chances of moving up socially.

The deeper meaning of this poem is to always push through and persevere through your struggles. The poem describes Madam C.J walker's life, along with the struggle black people faced during her time. It displays the hardships she faced while working her way to success and all of the hard work it took for her to reach financial success. Through her story, people can be inspired to be perseverant and hard-working. I chose those lines to emphasize all of the conflict and strife Madam C.J. Walker faced during her time. Lines such as “Who’s greatest accomplishments and legacy stem from a difficult past”, and “Relationships are often complicated” highlight everything she had to go through before she got to where she aimed to be. They demonstrate how many people looked down on her and refused to support her, as well as how she was living in a pretty bad place before she became the strong and independent figure she’s known as. Additionally, I included the lines: “Supported Generously” and “Improved her chances of moving up socially” to demonstrate how she moved up in life with the support of many other people. To summarize, I chose to recognize the strong-minded and independent African American woman, Madam C.J Walker, to display the deeper meaning of my poem which is to always be perseverant and to try your hardest.

No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts 

No woman of her time has more chart-toppers than she.

Aretha tours her queen-dom from sea to shining sea

 at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama

she electrified a crowd 

with her performance of “My Country ’Tis of Thee.”

"Respect" — an empowered cover of an Otis Redding track.

Aretha’s crowned as Queen of Soul

Gifted, Black.

The deeper meaning behind my poem was to display how successful and beloved Aretha Franklin was to her fans and the people of America, especially as a black women in America, setting an example for people worldwide to follow their dreams. Aretha Franklin, singer, activist, and much more, as she was able to achieve so much throughout her career, inspiring many. I displayed this in my poem using the lines, “No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts” and “No woman of her time has more chart-toppers than she.” Both examples display her success, as she was number one on the Billboard charts. As highly accomplished as Aretha was, she must have encouraged many facing discrimination to follow their dreams as Aretha did. I also included the line, “ at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama she electrified a crowd.” This line represented how loved she was by her country and her singing prowess. Singing at a presidential inauguration is of the highest honor, as politics greatly affect our nation. The poem also states she also electrified the crowd which displayed how beloved she is. In junction, the deeper meaning of my poem was to display how great, successful, beloved, and encouraging Aretha Franklin was in her career, after all, she is the “Queen of Soul.”

The deeper meaning of this poem is about the struggle of keeping relevant African American history. Through his experiences, Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976. Wopdsons goal was to preserve, present, and interpret African American history and to engage a large audience through these activities. I chose the lines I did because it explains the struggle of what black people have to go through, the true story of Black history, and what we have to do to access that. How some African Americans devote their whole life to uncovering their ancestry, their past, and the truth of America overall. As I was reading my articles I pulled quotes, comments, and parts of sentences to make into a poem. From Carter G. Woodson's accomplishments, goals, and quotes, we students have largely been deprived of learning the whole truth of U.S. history, right up until now.