Poetry: If you think you’re not oppressed

In the Service of our Ancestors and African Love,
Listen Seeker, I come in peace,

“It is better not to know and to know that one does not know,than presumptuously to attribute some random meaning to symbols.” — African Proverb

Over the passed few years I’ve heard it constantly. “The oppression of African people is now more covert than overt.”  Yet not until last week had it seemed absurd.  Easily on-hand was the Seven Qualifications of an African-Nationalist; A very recent write-up of Convictions and Resolves for African Nationalism.  And seeing most unfulfilled it seemed absurd to say our oppression was anything but overt.  It seemed even more absurd to say we’re not oppressed.

There are two crowds that repeat that we’re not oppressed.  Those who say we are no longer victimized and those who say we make ourselves victims.  While the latter seems ‘more conscious,’ neither make real sense.  The conditions are ‘oppression.’  What we ought do with this condition is Liberate ourselves and our Liberation will come through organization.  Every week, for years now, I am organizing for our Liberation (not on the internet, but on the ground.)  If you aren’t organizing on the ground, out of the opinion that you’re not oppressed, this poem is for you.  However, after reading the poem, if seeking a deeper understanding of Oppression, read this African-Nationalist Definition of Oppression.

If you think you’re not oppressed
By Onitaset Kumat

You could not name an African to whom you can protest
Yet though you have no Leadership, you don’t think you’re oppressed
And every other African sees weaves and gets obsessed
Despite their hate for kinky hair, I hear they’re not oppressed
You think you own possessions, but don’t think that you’re possessed
Deprived of things for making things, you think you’re not oppressed
On every single Continent, your people are a guest
You should be first and see your last but don’t see you’re oppressed
Some say the world’s grown smaller, but your world has regressed
Not able to protect or heal, or say that you’re oppressed
I’ve seen a Brother praised for the Sister he caressed,
Self-Love is now an accolade but hey we’re not oppressed
You worship non-Africans; they’re called when you’re depressed
You’d think not knowing whom to call, you’d call yourself oppressed
I’ve heard it said of Africans that we’re deaf, dumb and blind
But if you think you’re not oppressed;
You’re out of your African mind