Acknowledge and Declare (A Poetic Reflection on MLK Day 2017)

"Stand Together" by Bob Henry

Acknowledge and Declare
(A Poetic Reflection from MLK Day 2017) 

We target
We dehumanize
We offend
We demean
We reinforce
      …sexism

      …negative stereotypes and

      …ridicule.

“Bitch!”  “Pussy!” “Homo!” “Retard!”  “Whore!”

We degrade

We fixate
We invalidate
We stigmatize
We ignore     
     …political
     …social and
     …economic factors.

“Your hair looks like a mop.” “You’ll never pass that test.” “You are a loser.” “You are pretty…pretty boring!”

NO, WRONG, STOP! STAND STRONG! 

Declare, I AM a woman!
Declare, I AM LGBTQIA!
Declare, I AM a person of color!
Declare, I AM an immigrant or refugee!

Declare, I matter!
Declare, I AM intelligent!
Declare, I AM somebody!  
Declare, I AM
      ...offended
      ...desirable and
      ...strong!

YES, RIGHT, MOVE ON!  STAND UP! 

INCLUDE ALL
RESPECT ALL
VALIDATE ALL
HUMANIZE ALL
RECOGNIZE ALL
WELCOME ALL
LOVE ALL

STAND TOGETHER