Black Excellence

I wrote this poem for the 2022 Scholarship Reception of the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

ashleyjunemoore · Black Excellence

We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams

Beautiful, black, brilliant

Creative kings and queens.

The epitome

of excellence personified.

Forging our path ahead in a world

So afraid to see us thrive.

Yet, with every step

We defy odds.

With each breath declaring

We are fully alive.

Yes, we

are determined.

Uplifting our communities

As we stand on the shoulders

Of the giants who’ve come before us.

From Fannie Lou to Maya

Others may not understand or appreciate

But they can never ignore us!

Like the rose that grew from concrete

Or how out of the ashes the phoenix does still rise

By faith, we break chains and move mountains

Seize the day, silence the lies.

Armed with ambition

Love, strength, and wisdom – our guides

Propelled by purpose

We can look back and testify

Never would’ve made it

Without the cloud of witnesses above

And our village by our side.

So, today, it’s true scholarship we celebrate

Leadership, character, and service

Not just amassing knowledge for knowledge’s sake.

Now,

Hear the voice of the ancestors say:

Stand tall, daughter.

Hold your head high, son.

We are proud.

Job well done.