It's Not Over

When Obama won they said it’s over. He won. He’s in. I say no. One triumph does not erase past sin. Years ago they hopped into their boats. They invaded our castle after crossing our moats. They dragged kings and queens across the sea Off into to a land not meant for you or me They wanted us to work the land of their pilgrims’ pride Our fathers and mothers and siblings died They branded us and kept us chained They tried to break any spirits that remained Eventually the day came when we were freed We were promised everything we would need But we were still left in a lower position We had no masters but were left in submission Sharecropping did not make us slaves But was not the freedom that we craved We didn’t get our acres or mules We didn’t get equal schools Marches, sit-ins, peaceful demonstrations Were met by our enemies with less than elation But we had to break them down and end segregation We battled in court like Brown v. The Board of Education Heroes like Malcolm and Martin died for our rights But as time goes on we cannot forget the fight We have changed the public policy But we still must work towards true equality Racism still exists in minds and hearts Which leads me back to the start Seeing a black face in the White house is a triumph But we are not triumphant For we must not ever forget That we must work every day towards the dream As you wake up every day and lay down your head every night Never forget those who fought for your civil rights