Still In Chains
There were many human beings in that land beyond the seas
that were kidnapped to America so Whites could live at ease.
Not all came as slaves. There were indentured servants, free.
They too were soon enslaved By an economic reality.
Slaves were lashed and beaten; as property, they were sold.
More than a few escaped. Of horror they often told.
Harriet Tubman, though once a slave, to the slave states returned.
Nineteen times she rescued others. For their freedom her heart burned.
For Harriet's body, dead or alive, there was a huge reward.
Nothing on this earth did she fear when compelled by love to serve her Lord.
There were many abolitionists whose lips declared slavery wrong.
But Quakers labored on the hidden rai1road, for their fear of God was strong
A tragic bloody war was fought, but not to free all people;
it was to preserve the Union, to keep it strong, not feeble.
Yes, it is written in history. There was the Emancipation Proclamation.
Even this great document left true slavery in our Nation.
When a Black man served his country, sure, he could ride on trains
but in a separate compartment, for he was still in chains.
When a family lived in poverty 'Cause the father's pay was low,
The White man had an answer. The Black man thought too slow.
When college athletics came along, Blacks were not allowed to play.
They had their separate colleges, they still exist today.
Racism had its rationale: The cry was "Separate but equal."
For this gross hypocrisy in Seattle there is a sequel.
When many Blacks helped build a championship football team,
the cry of "Freedom of the Press" brought severe threat to their dream.
Though they worked long hours on the field their knowledge did also grow,
still the starved media screamed, "They are academically slow."
Not only their graduation rate into question was brought;
they were censured for being honest, For doing what they were taught.
Though there were only a few who had minor scrapes with the law,
The media made it appear to be a major character flaw.
They could have appealed to the alums, “Please, for our fines, do pay.”
But to receive money is condemned by the noble N.C.A.A.
Borrowing or working extra, they were in no position to do.
Discerning reports could see they were caught in a Catch 22.
What choice did they have but a later court date?
With the media, this option did not even rate.
Instead of criticism there should have been loud praise.
These few had demonstrated the honesty still pays.
But the team, staff, and coach who had thrilled the cheering stands,
by the ever-righteous media received public reprimands.
That their report made no mention of a white player’s brush with the law
was either a form or deceit or a major reporting flaw.
Is it truly necessary or any life to make a mess?
Or is this a face if racism hiding behind a free white press?
Institutional racism does not exist, they say.
So what happened in a Seattle School on a late November day?
“Replace the Indian as your mascot,” the Native Americans did plead.
Thirty-nine to zip, the alums did vote to ignore their heartfelt need.
Did they not deserve a gesture whose land we did treacherously steal?
Could we not have helped a little their grievous wound to heal?
Racism is well today, to this we must confess.
Can this evil ever end without the lead of a brave, free, press?
By Tom Griffith
Seattle Schools
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