"Let’s Talk"

Written & Performed

By Leah Goodwin

3/1/2025

 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk.

Today we connect on the journey of Black Women

Thrown on a slave ship to a destination unknown

Leaving behind our country and home

The ship was the first terror of fear and  inhumanity

Followed by rape, unspeakable harms,  and being separated from family 

 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk

Slowly we woke up and found ways to take a stand

Holding on to our spirit, our rituals and beliefs

Singing and chanting to find relief

The same stars were still shining above in the sky

We found strength in living as time passed by
 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk

We had to break free  from slavery

Finding new ways to be

Harriet Tubman our Black Moses

Heard her soul call 

and dedicated her life  to freeing us all

 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk

Black Women made a bold choice 

To find their voice

A beacon of hope in the dark of night

Sojourner Truth stood for women’s rights

Black Women found ways to teach and learn

Gathering new tools to navigate at each turn.

 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk

The next step was to take over school and education

Teaching our youth and building a nation. 

Colleges and Universities were the place to be

Yet there were many fights on the road to equality.

Like little Ruby Bridges integrating the schools  in  1960.

 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk

Black women waited by every open door

Ready to walk in and stand firm on the floor

Freedom  was not free, and the movement was starting

Rosa Parks led the fight  by taking her seat 

Civil rights, voting rights, marches and sit ins, were the common drum beat

 

Let’s Talk

We must share our stories, stand tall and walk the walk

And Black Women found ways to make space

From Amelia Boyntons living room

To church halls and Mason balls,  

and of course the sororities, lifting up our race

We were working hard and staying  inspired 

and as Fannie Lou Hamer Said,  “We were sick and tired of being sick and tired. “