Strange Fruit

Abel Meerpol, a Jewish man, was impacted by the terrorism from white supremists against Black people in the United States. Abel identified with the persecution, oppression, and discrimination Black people endured in America.

After Reconstruction and during Jim Crow, many Black people were lynched and Black communities burned down to the ground because of hate from white people. Abel was mortified after witnessing the atrocities against Black humans, including lynchings. Abel Meerpol wrote the poem, “Strange Fruit” to express his emotions related to the 1930’s epidemic of lynchings in the south.

As we approach Passover, may we think about the many strange fruit of today. May we explore the relevant current day issues that plague our society. May we recognize the part we play in the enslavement and liberation of human beings. May we DO Judaism and take actions to ensure sustainable freedom. #NeverAgain

Today’s strange fruit include the modern day lynching of Black people. When white people call the Police on Black people for walking on the sidewalk, looking around, barbecuing at a public park, shopping in a store, doing yard work at their own home, selling lemonade, driving their car, laughing at a table with friends, studying at a coffee shop, attending a business meeting, swimming in a public pool, etc. their lives may be threatened. This modern day lynching of Black people living their everyday lives prohibits freedom to just be in a society where one is accepted, respected, and valued.

The southern United States has a unique history rooted in racist ideologies that fought hard to keep Black people enslaved. The southern legacy still thrives as Black people are targeted and terrorized. Today their communal spaces still burn, their homes are taken away, and they are enslaved in prisons that profit from their labor.

Modern day slavery and lynchings prevail due to hate and systemic oppressions that make black skin an inherent liability. The beautiful magnolias and blooming dogwood trees don’t mask the hate rampant in the confederate history of the south.

The earth consumes the red blood from the beautiful dark bodies massacred because of prejudices, biases, and ignorance.

The black bodies still alive yet struggling to thrive are suffering from the plucking of systemic laws, policies, procedures, and daily operations of the organizations and communities in our nation. The crows of injustice and inequity feverishly feed on the lives of Black people to nourish their bellies. They steal, deceive, and devour to benefit their own nests of comfort. Yet the breeze does not soothe their hurting souls nor does it heal the wounds of institutionalized injustices. The wind does not offer relief from the hateful heat the southern sun produces, it continues to blow through their lives ravaging their homes, schools, businesses, and damaging entire communities. White supremist ideology and socialization pretends to love them and yet it burns their spirits.

“Southern trees bear strange fruit

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root

Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze

Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

Pastoral scene of the gallant south

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth

Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh

Then the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is fruit for the crows to pluck

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck

For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop

Here is a strange and bitter crop.”

Songwriters: Lewis Allan / Maurice Pearl / Dwayne P Wiggins

Sunshine betrays us over and over again, forceful rains peel away their flesh and the sticks beat their bodies as they twirl in tornadoes of jealousy, selfishness, envy, and loathing. Their hearts rot as hope drops to the ground and seeps deep below the surface of the earth. Their souls reach the core of the world and produces a new crop. A crop that does not taste sweet as honey, but one that tastes like salt and water. Their tears fill the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and oceans… feeding a new crop still crying for freedom, justice, and equity. How strange are these days Black people endure, shadowed by the smiling mouths and grinning faces of the deceitful southern sun. How strange are these new fruit watered by the salty tears of Black people. How strange are the times when we must all eat from the fruit growing from these bitter crops.

“Strange Fruit” — Nina Simone