By the way #TimesBeenUp!

Geremy D. Lowe
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read
(Artist Unknown)

#TimesBeenUp, or did it just begin, We’re doing all the things our ancestors did;

Marched on Washington, a million men deep, Yet times show no progress, as if society has been sleep;

Snoring and drooling over the imprisonment of dark skin, Have we not learned from the past my friend;

My brothers and sister, #TheTimeIsNow, King stood at the front of a large powwow,

Telling the world that enough was enough, Government laughing and thinking it was all a big bluff;

But it wasn’t, it was all so real, And now more that ever, as my brothers and sisters are killed;

Killed for driving or walking to granny’s house, Pop pop… a lifeless body, silenced like a mouse.

#TimesBeenUp, since the pigs pulled me over and took me to jail, Who would’ve thought my body would be found hanging from my jail cell;

I was educated and well aware, Of the torment and burdens my community had to bare;

50 Unarmed Black/African American killed by police 2009–2014. (Artist Unknown)

Baring fruits of labor and vegetables of hard times, Serving years for something that wasn’t their crime;

“Three strikes you’re out,” echoing from the judge’s stand, “But I didn’t do it your honor,” their voices of understanding command.

#TimesBeenUp, but no-one notices our struggles, All the labels our community juggles;

Juggling labels of filth and disgust, Yet the society wants to act and be like us.

#TimesBeenUp, since I got caught holding a cell phone, Then my spirit left the earth, I was left in my grandma’s yard, just skin and bones;

What makes them think we are a threat, Is it our talent or the the way we are set,

Set for life, because the Heavenly Father chose our nation, Supplies all needs and fulfilling every aspiration.

#TimesBeenUp, or had no-one noticed, How our community’s woken up from a long hypnosis;

Sleep, dead sleep, Unaware of the continuous racism society keeps;

Our women noted at the end of a letter, Addressing the perversion of men in descriptive newsletter;

Why at the end, and not in the beginning we all wonder, Since it was us to start the storms of thunder;

Striking ever industries with the #MeToo, But y’all took the credit, and y’all knew;

Y’all knew where it all started, But y’all thought our faces wouldn’t help the movement get charted;

So y’all kept us hidden, From the truth many people believe is forbidden;

How we fought, died, and stood in a lineup, To tell nation and the world how #TimesBeenUp!

#TimesBeenUp the #TimeIsNow (Artist Unknown)

UC Berkeley Student, Journalist, and in another life: Hairstylist and Educator — speaking from the heart and reaching souls.

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