May I Always be Viola!: A Poem

by Altheria Gaston

Drawing upon our ancestors for inspiration
Combining arts and activism
Refusing to remain silent about GENDER and RACIAL injustice
Swinging open doors once shut

With
Brilliant artistry
Unquestionable talent
Extraordinary consciousness

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Beautiful, bold—Viola
Daring, strong—Viola
Confident, articulate—Viola
Ceiling-shattering, earth-quaking—Viola
Inspiring, emerging—Viola

Always standing hand-in-hand with Black women
Unapologetically Black; audaciously woman

May
I
Always
Be
Voiced, Victorious, Viola!

Photo: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Altheria Gaston is a regular contributor at For Harriet.