WHO AM I?
By Dee Freeman

esse Jackson tells me "I am somebody."

Michael Jackson sings "I'm the one in the Mirror"

Maya Angelou says I'm a

"Phenomenally Phenomenal Woman"

Yet I despair

Is it because I still hear the voices of the

former slave owners saying that

I am only two-thirds of a citizen?

Aretha Franklin bellows, I should demand

"Respect"

The Staple Singers vocalizes I should

"Respect Myself"

Helen Baylor melodically croons "I've got the Victory" and I agree

So why do I despair,

Why am I despondent?

Is it because

I can't seem to find my right place in society?

My friends say I'm gifted and talented

My husband tells me I'm his beauty queen

My history & heritage bequeaths that

I'm a descendant of Kings and Queens

Yet, I have doubts

That surface and rob me of fully

Realizing

And appreciating my self worth.

Martin Luther King, Jr. shouts from the mountain top

That "I'm free at last"

Malcolm X proclaimed

I have now and have always had "Black Power"

James Brown bellows I should

"Say it loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud"

The Holy Word gently reminds me

That I am a child of the King

So, I look in the mirror

Then delve deep within myself

There I see the birth of a New ME!

A brand New ME.

Now I See Who I Am,

Now I can sing!

Now I can shout to the world!

Now I can stand tall

Yell it from the mountain tops!

Now I can walk proudly, with my head held high.

Now I know that I AM SOMEBODY!

The reflection in the mirror is ME!

I AM ME!

And "I Gotta be me"

I am an intelligent creation of the Almighty.

I am a PROUD African-American!

I am a PROUD Black WOMAN,

Who has found self-love.

The awesome power of Black Love

Opens like a cocoon and awakens my spirit.

It transforms me into

The real me, my true identity.

*   *   *   *   *

Source: Oceans of Love: To Us From Us by Dee Freeman

Delores King-Freeman, (Dee to family), is a motivated and compelling poet, author, producer and host, who is using her love, skills and creativity to help readers enjoy words and rhythmic rhyme.  She left the south during the sixties to follow her dream, which proved extremely elusive.  Now, finally catching and living that dream, she happily immerses herself in her passion-writing.  Freeman has previously published well received books of poetry entitled

Oceans of Love: To Us From Us  and Poetry She Wrote I: Oh, Magnify Him.

Both have been placed in the school system and libraries around town.  She has had a number of poems appear in magazines, anthologies and new papers where some have been recognized with awards for their inspirational, even motivational message. 

She was presented with a commendation for the City and City Council during Black History Month in 2005.  She continues to provide the Lansing State Journal with an article, book review or word of inspiration on a monthly basis.  She co-hosts “poetry slams” held at various locations throughout the Greater Lansing area. 

Freeman looks forward to expanding her Poetree-N-Motion TV program which shares information of community events, history tidbits, book reviews and has guests with current community issues.  It airs in Lansing on Comcast channel 16 -Thursday @ 3:30PM and East Lansing channel 30 WELM on Tuesday @ 7:00PM.  She is also a talented musical lyricist, hoping to have her work recorded in the near future.  

Presently, Freeman is in the completion stage of her first fiction novel-a project in conjunction with a movie producer.  This novel—Wild, Untamed Michigan: The Way It Was—is scheduled to hit the stores in early or mid 2006, with the second of the “Poetry, She Wrote” series—following close behind.

Freeman thoroughly enjoys writing and sharing her poetry through presentations at special annual luncheons, tributes honoring the leadership of community and churches, and other venues throughout the region.  She honestly feels her words will benefit all who read them-gently touching, softly soothing, delightfully awakening, enthusiastically illuminating and fervently healing.

As a grandparent of three grandsons, Freeman sees the need for help within the community.  She volunteers for readings and events throughout the Lansing School District.  She works on projects with the Michigan Million Women Movement that sprang out of the MWM (Million Women March) of 1997.  She’s a member of several supporting organizations, such as Delores Thornton’s Marguerite Press, Disilgold Soul and Publishing and Sisterhood of The Written Word. She also sings with a 35 voice group, who continues to keep the Negro Spirituals alive-The Earl Nelson Singers-directed by Verna Holley. 

An alumnus of Northwood University of Midland and former Financial Analyst for General Motors, Freeman continues to reside in Lansing, Michigan with her husband, Attorney Myron S. Freeman Sr.  She is proud of her three adult children, one of whom has attained stardom as an actress on Broadway.

Dee Freeman, Poet, Author, Speaker and Host! / 517 321-3122 / deekfreeman@yahoo.com de_poette@hotmail.com / www.AuthorHouse.com

Oceans of Love: To Us From Us   / Poetry She Wrote I: Oh, Magnify Him/ Host of Poetree - N - Motion  / Poetry, She Wrote II  / To Heir is to Love (for children) / Wild Untamed Michigan