Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear Bring the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and hope of the slave I rise.ĩ Why Repetition? The meaning of “I Rise” Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise. You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. of Organization of African-American Unityįirst established by Malcom X, an African American Muslim minister, who was a public speaker and a civil rights activist (used very harsh, direct words to white ppl) Designed to promote cooperation between African Americans To speak out against slavery and unjust oppression “conquer oppression, relieve suffering, convert meaningless struggle into meaningful action” Expired soon after Malcom X’s assassination Assassination occurred while he was making a speech for the OAAU, received 16 consecutive shots Martin Luther King & made protestsįounded in 1950 Oldest organization of African American writers in the United States Purpose: supporting African American writers to publish their work (books, journals, etc.) Honored by United Nations (UN) Society of Writersħ OAAU Abbrev. Reflecting on the poor treatment her race received as slaves (and discriminated even after freedom) Active in Civil Rights Movement Joined Harlem Writers’ Guild Helped build Organization of African American Unity Involved herself in TV productions Worked for Dr. Tried drugs Acted as prostitute Family encouraged her to try different jobs 1950s: started career as singer Wrote song lyrics and poems End of 1950s: developed skills as writer Published nationally praised verses and autobiographical narratives Currently an author, poet, playwright, director, performer, singer, professional stage/screen producer Shuffled in different homes Racism and Poor treatment from men Age 7: raped by mother’s boyfriend Boyfriend gets arrested and murdered Turned mute for more than 5 years, thinking her voice killed him Age 17: child of wedlock Was divorced 3 timesĤ Maya Angelou: Career Thought her career options were limited I rise I rise I rise.ģ Maya Angelou: Youth California Age 3: Parents’ Divorce Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. 2 Still I Rise You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |