I Am From

I am from sunshine and palm trees
And Hiawassee orange groves.
 
I am from fish fries
And BBQ's for all and any occasion.
I am from chitlin' and grits
And meats gravy smothered.
 
I am from migrant work
And housekeepers
And first-generation college complete.
I am from Clara and Walter's dream
Integrating FTU aka UCF
Traveling from Black populated Orange Center
To suburban Pine Hills: year 1973.
 
I am from a King with a vision
An X with an agenda
An Angelou with a song.
 
I am from a family branch
Sprouting from a deep cultural heritage tree
Bearing fruit that must be passed on.

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