Democrats Abroad
  • About Us
    DA News Our Charter and Platform Our Leadership DNC Members Our Country Committees Our Party Our Goals Our Impact Our History 2025 Annual Global Meeting 2025 International Officer Elections
  • Get Involved
    Join DA Find An Event Our Priorities Our Caucuses Volunteer Blue Vote Cafe Podcast Power to the People Podcast
  • DA Resists!
    Take Action Resistance Events Resistance Roundtables Defending Democracy Advocacy Resistance News Spotlight Series
  • Vote from Abroad
    Voting Information Vote From Abroad Our State Teams
  • Donate
  • About Us Get Involved DA Resists! Vote from Abroad
    DA News Our Charter and Platform Our Leadership DNC Members Our Country Committees Our Party Our Goals Our Impact Our History 2025 Annual Global Meeting 2025 International Officer Elections
    Join DA Find An Event Our Priorities Our Caucuses Volunteer Blue Vote Cafe Podcast Power to the People Podcast
    Take Action Resistance Events Resistance Roundtables Defending Democracy Advocacy Resistance News Spotlight Series
    Voting Information Vote From Abroad Our State Teams
Democrats Abroad
Donate
  • About Us
    About Us Country Committees News Our Leadership DNC Members Our Charter and Platform Our History
  • DA Resists!
    DA Resists! Resistance Roundtables DA Resistance Events Take Action Spotlight Series DA Resists News Defending Democracy Advocacy
  • Get Involved
    Get Involved Our Caucuses Blue Vote Café Podcast Volunteer Our Priorities Events Phonebanking
  • LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
    Follow Democrats Abroad
Sign In Join with Email
  • About Us
    About Us Country Committees News Our Leadership DNC Members Our Charter and Platform Our History
  • DA Resists!
    DA Resists! Resistance Roundtables DA Resistance Events Take Action Spotlight Series DA Resists News Defending Democracy Advocacy
  • Get Involved
    Get Involved Our Caucuses Blue Vote Café Podcast Volunteer Our Priorities Events Phonebanking
  • Donate

BC

  • American

     

    My uncomfortable truth
    prompted you to
    ask me if I
    consider myself American
    and what that title means.

    Oh, I’m American, indeed
    I’ve considered many things as I’ve tussled to undo
    The inculcation meant to make me a
    Patriot
    On the road to realization that America means something different to me than it means to you.

    It means the telling of my history in this land starts at bondage while yours starts at courage
    So your ancestors could brag about coming over
    While mine wailed of overcoming

    It means you dabble in my history as an exercise of periodic contemplation
    But it’s compulsory for me
    to memorize yours on the path to graduation

    I have a social security number
    But no security
    I have a hometown
    But no home

    You can trace your family name back to your motherland
    But I can only track mine back to where my folks were fieldhands

    Your ancestors sorted us into colors like laundry
    And now that we take pride in our pigmentation
    You take pride in claiming that my complexion
    Is something you can’t see

    It means whatever you do is because you’re you
    but whatever I do
    Is because
    I’m us
    You ever carry the weight of a race on your shoulders?
    Even once?

    It means your heroes are hailed for making a way for my people
    Your hero, the Great Emancipator, who proclaimed,
    “I am not, nor ever have been, in favor
    of bringing about the social and political equality
    of the black and white races.”
    Your hero, Lincoln, proclaimed
    “I am in favor
    of having the superior position assigned to the white race."

    Some savior…

    And because of that when someone who looks like you gets a look, their resume can’t be denied
    But when it’s me, you’re quick to question if we’re even qualified
    So we pay our black tax, twice as good for half

    But nevertheless, we are creators
    Of air conditioners and almanacs
    3D tech and protocol to chit-chat over the internet
    Improved elevators, the traffic light, and the pacemaker
    Because we’ve always been pacesetters

    But when we do this
    And still fight injustice
    You say stop complaining
    You’ve arrived
    You’re officially more like us than
    Them

    You, pure, standard issued American
    Me, on the dark outskirts
    Until you deem my worth
    Part of me used to appreciate your acceptance
    Until I unwashed my brain

    It means on days I feel I can touch the stars
    Someone tries to convince me I won’t
    It means I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t
    But I do anyway
    Because someone did for me

    It means the lies about us have permeated the globe
    So when I travel, they grab their children and purses because
    they only know the prejudices
    they’ve been told

    It means we’re always too much and we’re never enough
    Malcolm was too radical
    Martin was too uppity
    Rosa was too defiant
    Huey was too dangerous
    Kamala is too snarky
    Tulsa was too mighty
    Colin was too divisive
    Angela was too violent and hip hop is too
    But anybody who looks like you?
    Good, good people

    What’s most amazing about grace is who
    you’ll withhold it from
    but extend it to

    This skin’s a blessing and curse cause it don’t crack but it might burst
    Under the weight of carefully constructed
    Confusion and hate

    You think you own my thoughts of my experience?
    You think you can build another you from me
    Like yet another model minority?
    Well, I recognize all this history
    And own what it means
    And throw off a mask of shame so I don’t suffocate
    and build a legacy on my ancestors’ dreams at any rate
    And fight for anybody deemed less than
    And pursue liberty and help create our happiness, in spite of this country’s sins

    So tell me, sir
    Considering what your ancestors claimed they came here to do
    Is my American
    American enough for you?

     

    Jasmine N. Cochran
    February 2021

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    February 13, 2021


  • Spirit Eagles

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Paul.png

     

    Spirit Eagles soar, not fly.

    To realms beyond the visions,
    Of man.

    To heights, beyond the eye.

    To distances far exceeding,
    The dreams of man.

    Only to strike, when least
    Expected.

    Found as one, not in a flock.
    Spirit Eagles soar, not fly.


    Copyright (c) 1996, “Spirit Eagle”,Paul S Hickman, All Rights Reserved

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    February 13, 2021


  • The Expresso Bar

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Paul.png

     

    There it's sitting, tucked between others unlike it.

    Strolling, about the colorful decorum,
    She briskly greets me, with a warming smile.

    Clothed in simply exotic jeans, with leather boots,
    The top fringes, flapping with her every step and turn.

    As modern Jazz music plays, softly in the background.
    People, walking briskly, down the clean stone surfaced
    Street.

    A fashion show, accentuating the plethora of boutiques
    Encapsulating, the Expresso Bar.

    Exotic cars creep along the narrow street,
    Exhibiting their unique styles and models,
    With their little ones riding quietly with,
    Piercing eyes.

    As a local cat, fondly plays with the small leaf.
    Being gently, moved by the wind's breath.

    As the sun sets quietly, we move to another spot,
    To complete the day at the Expresso Bar.
    Quietly, sitting in the mist of the dawn of the eve.

     

    © The Expresso Bar, 2013, Paul S Hickman, All Right Reserved

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    February 13, 2021


  • I, Too Am A Poet

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Paul.png

     

    Sitting, in this place, lonely, mind,
    Searching for reasons. The years, passing
    As swiftly as they came.

    With thoughts, in the corners of the
    Mind. Searching the experiences the
    Answer—unknown.

    Cast off, into the reality of others.
    Traveling, through the halls of
    Academia. Facing, minds of the world.

    The disruptions, unsolicited, unwanted
    Annoying to self. Precious moments passing
    Valuable to lose.

    Though unknown to self, unknown to others.
    The envy, the jealousy, the dreams to
    Leave the land of reality.

    Into a distant world, far beyond the
    Thoughts of others. To realize, they
    Have a world of their own.

     

    Copyright (c) 1996, Paul S Hickman, All Rights Reserved

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    February 13, 2021


  • A Walk in the Park

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Paul.png

     

    A walk in the park, listening to the birds and bees.
    Visiting with other strollers, a smile and a hello.

    Challenging my eyes with a glistening glow.
    My, my is this going to be my life style to enjoy,
    And cherish for the rest of my days?

    If so, then those who must slave for others,
    While I enjoy the freedom so greatly earned.

     

    Copyright (c) 2004 “ A Walk in the Park”, Paul S Hickman, All Rights Reserved

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    February 13, 2021


  • 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge

  • Your Blood

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Paul.png

     

          Your blood flows in our veins. As we are passing through
                              And you are coming through.

         After over 400 years “The Post-African Enslavement and the
        African Diaspora Era” in America and the world. Many cultures
      reap the creative fruits of the African forefathers and present day
                           Africans without profound gratitude.

         We are the inheritors of the intelligentsia of the Ancient Benin
         Africans and all the Ancient African Cultures. We have shared
                          These intelligent gifts with the world.

             Our music-science-mathematics-eloquent logos-leadership
    -statesmanship-literature-sculptures and sports are a testament of our
                Determination to exploit these gifts to their fullest.

        No matter the breath or frequency of obstacles placed before us.
          For Africans, it is either- over, under, or through them towards
    Fulfilling the Footprints left by our Ancient African Ancestral Cultures.

          Though at times clouds may cast a shadow on our endeavors
            We Africans are still here- plowing the rows towards our
            destiny to build our humanity and share with the world.

     

     

    (C)2021 “Your Blood” by Paul S Hickman -All Rights Reserved

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    January 31, 2021


  • Inauguration Poem

     

    Inauguration Poem

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    January 20, 2021


  • Unfinished

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Paul.png

     

    You thought it would be done. But you didn't know
    That it would be so. By the Grace of God -you start
     A new journey with His Angels as your Guardians.

       There you sit far away from us. Yet so close.
        As you feel in your heart the fire that burns
                      In all of God's Chosen.

            Not to worry about that what follows.
         His Lead and you emerge as fresh as the
    Clear running stream. As strong as the Native Bison.
       As true as the arrow. And as gentle as the cello-
                      Piano-flute and the violin.

    There you have it. Mr. President of the United States.
             Long life-sail with the Winds of change.
          And your walks moves towards the destiny
       To accomplish the trials and tribulations of life.

      As you walk over the hill-you are a young person's
    President. Our time has passed As you plow the road
                          For the years to come.

         Time crosses your footsteps in the sand . As a
                 Gentle breeze erases the previous
                       Path followed by so many.

           Your hand with open face points to the sky
          And the heavens sing and the thunder roars.

                             Now you start....

     

    (C)2021-”UNFINISHED” by Paul S Hickman -All Rights Reserved

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    January 19, 2021


  • Where you at Democracy?

    gbc_Poet_Laureate_Elaine.png

     

    Seein‘ folks storm through the capitol halls
    Wonderin’ if they got any sense at all
    Carryin’ signs of indignant hate
    Is this democracy’s future fate?
    Online malignity is a booming industry
    Spreadin’ false news while lyin’ miserably
    Police gettin’ knocked down and beat
    Puttin’ their feet up on Pelosi’s seat!
    Weapons carried to the front door
    But what is really at this here core?
    What is the sudden hidden fear?
    To lose all we hold so dear?
    Is it Martin’s dream that scares us so?
    Selfish citizens who want more?
    Inauguration is on its way
    Biden working hard to save the day
    The nation has never been so split
    I’m troubled too I must admit
    So democracy I ask of you
    What the hell are we gonna do?

     

    Copyright@ All rights reserved
    Camille Elaine Thomas
    January 18, 2021

     

    Posted by Cuthbert Telesford
    January 18, 2021


  • Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • Next
PAID FOR BY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY COMMITTEE ABROAD
Join democrats abroad

Email Democrats Abroad

Email our Voter Assistance Team

Email our Press Team

Privacy Policy

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
| Built by Tectonica