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MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT: "STILL I RISE"
In honor of women's history month, our feature poem is by the amazing Maya Angelou “STILL I RISE!”
“Still, I Rise” remains one of my favorite poems, the words in this masterpiece still carries so much deep meaning in our present time. Dr. Angelou sets the tone in amplifying the plight of black and brown marginalized communities. Speaking on our strengths, will power, and passion to continue overcoming any adversity placed on our path. One can't help but feel empowered, inspired, and equipped with strength, boldness, and courage when reading this poem.
As a black woman, “Still I Rise” rings true and reminds me to keep moving forward and looking upward, fearlessly persevering in the face of any challenges and hardship that life may present. The lesson on self-respect and confidence is the undertone of this legendary body of work. Raising our vibration and self-esteem is the ultimate key to standing in our power and authenticity regardless of our skin color and hues.
"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.
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.
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
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 backyard.
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 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.
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.
I rise. I rise. I rise!
