Black Man Poem by Chinonso Iroegbu

My name is written on the stones of memory
I've lived through times and centuries
I've seen civilizations
I've known the world.
I explored America as a slave
In chains, I journeyed to Europe;
My glory is in my home
My home is Africa.

I'm the Lion of the Savannah
The courage of my people
I'm the Asiwaju of Africa
The fearless one.

I ruled my people
In justice and in truth,
I managed my affairs
Before the foreigners came.
Wealth was mine
Gold and silver
Prosperity was prevalent
Until I was impoverished;
Captured and sold;
Sold to lands faraway.

I bathed in the Mississippi
In chains, in ignominy.
My footprints scatter round the world
In the plantations of bourgeoisie,
In the homes and farmlands
Of Americas.

I'm a Black Man
I've lived through the ages,
I've survived wars and adversity.
I fear no man or god;
I've lived, and I still live.

I'm a Black Man
The Asiwaju of Africa.