ChickenBones: A Journal

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That disdainful whip, the startling crack / The sound of fifty lashes to my brother man's back
We listened to hate's hypocrisy and religion

 

 

Books by Latorial Faison

Secrets of My Soul: A Collection of Poetry  / Immaculate Perceptions 

28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History I  / 28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History  II

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The Sounds of Blackness

By Latorial Faison

In my heart there lies no defeat
But in my bosom a triumphant and rhythmic beat
And while my spirit dances with gladness
I am quick to recall the sounds of blackness. 

I hear the moaning and the wailing
Of native Africans held captive on ships sailing
As though it were my youth of yesterday
Whispering truths to ears in dark dismay.

The long, persistent motherland call
Of anxious hope and justice for all
As though it beckoned from higher heights
I hear the songs of steal away nights.

That disdainful whip, the startling crack
The sound of fifty lashes to my brother man's back
We listened to hate's hypocrisy and religion
And prayed for deliverance complete with wisdom.

Hear Harriet's footsteps and her hushing sacred sounds
As she walked without fear in search of freedom's grounds
To lead as many captives safely to northern light
Her savvy spirit vowed to never give up the fight.

The sighs of relief at a kingdom finally come
Freedom at last for us, the worst of sins to some
But to the surprise and shock of a divided nation
Came the lyrics of a long overdue slave Emancipation.

The endless cheering must have been loud
While those who stood free made their ancestors proud
And the old African's dream really did come true
In a nation where his people were brought to be subdued.

Dr. King shouted "Free at last, free at last . . . "
And his dream of a promised land did come to pass
The sit-ins, the marches and the demand for equal rights
Were necessary for those freed in darkness and deprived of light.


So, in my daily living, I do not dare ignore the sounds
But am honored that my ancestors were strong and freedom bound
When fellowmen can't remember the truth about this sadness
Pause to share with them one of the many sounds of blackness.

posted 10 September 2005

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Latorial Faison, a native of Courtland, VA, studied English and Religious Studies at the University of Virginia and VA TECH. Faison has been writing poetry since adolescence, but in March 2000 she walked onto the literary scene as the founding editor of Poetically Speaking, a globally read online poetry magazine. In 2001 Faison's first book collection of poems, Secrets of My Soul, was published. This collection set the stage for what would follow in later publications such as Immaculate Perceptions in 2003, and two collections, 28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History I (2006)  and  28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History  II ( 2008).

Faison has been published in various literary journals, magazines, anthologies, and online publications. She has been published in the US and abroad in the following:  Anointed Magazine, Whispers of Inspiration, The Digital Drum sponsored by BET, Facets Literary Magazine, RiverSedge, The Nubian Chronicles, Seeker Magazine, Timbooktu,  The Taj Mahal Review, Red River Review, and many other venues.

Latorial's story "On Good Ground" is featured in the 2003 NAACP winner, Keeping the Faith,  a collection of nonfiction essays on love, courage, healing and hope from Black America edited by Tavis Smiley.  Her work has also received notice on radio shows like The Tom Joyner Morning Show and PowerTalkFM.com.

She has taught for various colleges and universities in the U.S. Currently, Faison is an Online Instructor for DeVry University. Latorial Faison is currently accepting speaking engagements as well as opportunities to appear and read poetry. For information on upcoming events, visit the EVENTS page of this site. Invite Latorial Faison, Poet & Author, to your next community, church, school, college, or university event. http://latorial.faithweb.com/Biography.html

Visit her online at http://www.latorialfaison.com/

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The White Masters of the World

From The World and Africa, 1965

By W. E. B. Du Bois

W. E. B. Du Bois’ Arraignment and Indictment of White Civilization (Fletcher)

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Ancient African Nations

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Negro Digest / Black World

Browse all issues


1950        1960        1965        1970        1975        1980        1985        1990        1995        2000 ____ 2005        

Enjoy!

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The Death of Emmett Till by Bob Dylan  The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll  Only a Pawn in Their Game

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson Thanks America for Slavery

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The Journal of Negro History issues at Project Gutenberg

The Haitian Declaration of Independence 1804  / January 1, 1804 -- The Founding of Haiti 

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updated 9 July 2011

 

 

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