Mustafa Santiago Ali
Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali is the Executive Vice President of Conservation & Justice for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), former Interim Chief of Programs at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), and Instructor at American University. He is the Founder and CEO of Revitalization Strategies. He also serves as a commissioner for The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS). He is an award-winning writer and poet focused on social justice. Dr. Ali is frequently seen on television, including appearances on MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, VICE, FUSE, BET, National Geographic, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and Democracy NOW! Mustafa is also a regular guest on Roland Martin Unfiltered, Black News Channel, Tavis Smiley Show, The Dean Obeidallah Show, and many others…
Editor's Note: This poem is the fifth in our Democracy and Hope Series. This series will highlight hopeful aspects about our Democracy using various genres including poems, interviews, short stories, and articles about political events.
In the shadowed corridors of history’s grand parade, Where the echoes of whispers hold the dreams we made, Kamala Harris, namesake of resilience, claims the stage, The first Black female president, writing our new page.
In her rise, the sun splits the darkened veil of our yesterdays, Each step she takes, a melody of broken chains, a thousand ways, As Ida B. Wells’ pen struck against the lies of time, So Kamala’s ascent rings as a victory’s chime.
Maya Angelou’s voice, an anthem in the silent fight, Meets Kamala’s trailblazing path in the deep, pure light. Shirley Chisholm’s defiance, a pioneer’s fierce dance, Mingles with Kamala’s resolve, a nation’s chance.
Mae Jemison’s stars, high above, shimmer with a dream— That no longer is ambition an impossible seam. Rosa Parks’ courage, seated strong, unyielding to the night, Finds its echo in Kamala’s steadfast, soaring flight.
Bessie Coleman’s wings, spread across the boundless blue, Guide Kamala’s steps as she makes the old world new. Mumbet’s cry for freedom, a roar through centuries old, Echoes in Kamala’s story, a tale bravely told.
Nina Simone’s piano weeps for the untold pain, Yet dances in triumph as Kamala steps into the rain. Audre Lorde’s powerful pen, cutting through the darkness, Finds its grace in Kamala’s light, in her fierce and endless spark.
Sarojini Naidu’s words, flowers in the tempest’s gale, Sing alongside Kamala’s, as new dreams set sail. Ruby Bridges’ brave steps through the corridors of hate, Now lay the path for Kamala, to forge and to create.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s wisdom, with justice deeply sewn, Reflects in Kamala’s leadership, a legacy fully grown. Tarana Burke’s call, a rallying cry of strength and voice, Finds harmony in Kamala’s stance, in her courageous choice.
Marsha P. Johnson’s fierce heart, a beacon for the lost, Becomes Kamala’s resolve, no matter the cost. Aretha Franklin’s anthem, a call to rise and fight, Resounds in Kamala’s journey, a testament of might.
All these voices blend, a chorus through the years, And in Kamala’s stride, they echo, without fears. The ancestors whisper, “Speak it into existence,” Their hopes and dreams weave through Kamala’s persistence.
To heal the nation, to mend its fractured seams, She stands as proof that anyone can reach for dreams. The glass ceiling shattered, history’s final call, Kamala Harris, the first to rise, ensuring none shall fall.
A promise of America, renewed and redefined, Where every child, regardless of their origin, finds their mind. We stand now at this crossroads, where dreams take flight— It’s all we need to do, to cast our vote, ignite.
In Kamala’s victory, a future bright and vast, A testament to hope, where change is steadfast.
©️MustafaSantiagoAli
#Poetry #Biden #Kamala #DemVoice1 #VoteBlue #ResistanceUnited #Democracy #Healing