BLACK CHILD
By Alain Budd (Central High School - 12th Grade)
This poem is adapted from a poem written by his mother, Jeannie Butler Budd (1948-2004), who inspired so many of us with her wit, charm, commitment and dedication.
She is missed by all who knew her.

Black child near the ocean vast
Black child in the ghetto street
Black child in a modern home
Black child with no meat to eat.

Black child, hold your head up high
For your blackness do and die
Let no man above you ride
Black child, stand and show your pride.
Black child bearing that beautiful black
Black child with your skin so fair
Black child born a deep rich brown
All your forces, your power expound.

Black child learn your heritage true
All those Blacks who died for you.
Black child fight, regain your rights
Shout Black is back! A debt is due!