Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes.
The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.
by Kwame Alexander (Author), Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including THE CROSSOVER, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include SURF’S UP, a picture book; BOOKED, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Special thanks to you. For pushing through. For holding on. For fighting. For being hopeful in times when you have actually given up on the thought that things might get better. Yet here you are. Nurturing your body though you do not want to eat. Smiling at people though you feel like crying and screaming. Going to work though you might not see a point. Yet here you are, my love. You are picking up the pieces every single day, even if you do not manage to put them back together. Even if you fall apart by the end of every day. You continue. You push through. You face that battle. And this is why my special thanks go out to you. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for not losing hope. You are a light on this planet, darling. Thank you for shining through every cloud that comes your way. You are amazing. And you can be so proud of yourself. Special thanks to you, my love.
