Sekou Sundiata - Def Poetry

[jayteat]

looks like Samuel Jackson, LOL!

[BekaShakur]

1Nation

[drseptimuspretorius]

Reparations should be paid to every individual who was ever held in involuntary servitude and subsequently freed by the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States by every individual who ever held another in such servitude. It is a great tragedy that slave ships ever touched this continent. Our country would be so much better off and at peace with itself if slavery had never been allowed to pollute our nation. Anyone out there care to take a stab at the origin of the word "slave"?

[spaztech]

So who should pay these reparations? Should immigrants who where not here during 'slave times' have to pay? Me thinks not.. a great poem nonetheless.. but let's move on. RIP

[supernovaofthenoir]

the governemnt... and it's not all about money. Look it up.

[juzbee]

one year later...LOVE IT

[penaholic]

Great poem!! Very inspirational. RIP Sekou Sundiata.

[ccr5cxcr4]

So how do you justify punishing people who have never done you any wrong? I would really like to hear your theory on that. I mean my crime is being born? Nevermind that I am 1/4 American Indian. Nevermind my European ancestors came here after slavery was illegal, and were fleeing starvation. They were hardly wealthy.

Please help me understand how taking assets by force from people who are innocent is moral, or correct. Convince me with logic.

[biggdaddie72]

Here's the deal. I'm not a fan of reparations, even though I'm black. As far as being punished for something you didn't do...why did 2 young men in Mobile ALA yell "Go home nigger!" to me when I've done nothing to them? Why am I discriminated against by employers, lenders, and potential land lords even though they no nothing about me, and I have great credit? This country, like most, is built on the past. Sometimes you have to suffer for the sins of those who have come before you.

[ccr5cxcr4]

biggdaddie72 - Sorry it took me so long to respond. "why did 2 young men" What those men did was reprehensible. Criminal?

"why am I discriminated against" I was discriminated against in college/medical school. Held to a higher standard for admission, less financial aid available...

"you have to suffer for the sins of those who have come before you." Sorry. That is called punishing the innocent, and is evil by definition.

You are seeking revenge, not justice. Pathetic.

[1adadada]

now try saying that to the victims of the jewish holocaust. You wouldnt dare.

[Shmecklecka]

Simple:

The wealth of this nation was ill-gotten at the expense of natives, slaves, and nations the military of the USA subjugated and slaughtered.

Those who benefit, rich or not-so, still benefit at the expense of that which was taken. stolen, pillaged.

People WORKED, for centuries, were kidnapped, slaughtered, for the wealth of the USA to be had. That is a debt unpaid.

Pay it back, with interest, per the credo of commerce.

Bring on the reparations.

[bjh06d]

If this is ur story then clearly hes not talkin to u so dont take it so personally. plus reparations r not gonna happin in any form except a apology neway. There r 2 many people of color in this country who have been affected by colonialisim, slavery, & jim crow to try to give us all a check and to be completely honest most of dont want it neway no amount of money can wash blood of hands, take scars of backs, or loose mental chains so my 1/4 american indian brother or sister jus calm down.

[uZamantungwa]

interesting question... As an Afrikan i could ask exactly the same question.

how do you justify the suffering that Afrikan descendents have to live with because of 'inherited slavery'? less so than i but many black people still bear the brunt of systems - though abolished and outlawed - still put Afrikan people at a disadvantage.

I'd suggest you watch a documentary calld 500 YEARS LATER - it put my doubts about reparations to bed

[aretha47]

We love and miss him, REPARATIONS NOW!!

[MasterGiffica25]

that voice carried a thousand screams and shouts... he will be missed...

[tls2156]

Sekou Sundiata died of heart failure at a hospital in Valhalla, New York on July 18, 2007. He had struggled with many life-threatening conditions throughout his life, including cancer, kidney failure, a kidney transplant, pneumonia, and a broken neck sustained in an auto accident.

[jessypooh24]

He died from a heart failure. He used to be real sick and he would recover like nothing happened. I guess he said he was ready to go away from all the suffering he had been through. R.I.P.

[jakegloveslap]

lil richard teachin the beatles to scream REAL SHIT he knew what he was talkin about. RIP

[FloeticSoulSista]

RIP mista. I wonder what he died of.

[unpoeticpoet099]

R.I.P.

[jizzy2sexi]

when did he die??

[keilyngodson26]

He wins.

[Katrina7788]

his voice carries a beautiful melody

[keev1989]

his voice ..

[Katrina7788]

I second that...his voice carries melody

[MakeMoney713]

speachless

[oldschoolruler]

Dang, I read all the posts intending to direct folks the cd, 'Longstoryshort' where this piece is put to music, but so many, black and white, lose the point the brother was making. As barricuda22 so succinctly put it, 'it's not about $'. It's about helping people be all they can be in this, 'My country tis of thee', please quit trippin', time is short. Langston Hughes said, 'America never was "America" to me, but I swear this oath, America WILL BE'. Come on and bring on the reparations!

[risbo3000]

Real Talk!

[Junt0000]

GATDAMN! i dig it so hard.

[pogo610]

what a gift

[hustlez]

Reparations on G.P.

[norasweetcakes]

AMEN BROTHER

AMEN!

[yadiggg1911]

wow...thats all i can say. wow!

[rdlastre]

RIP Sekou. Please catch "The 51st(dream) State".  This was Sekou's last live performance piece before he passed. Just visited Miami this weekend. Pure genius and finesse!

[SeraphimLady]

So true, so wonderfully written.

[Finenatty]

Deep wow oooweeefff WOW

[artgeek1501]

RIP Sekou.

[nipishe]

is he dead @ artgeek??.if he is RIP.Wise man.

[barricuda22]

Listen to his words and carry the word in your thoughts and deeds that is the baton that Sekou has given us. Carry on!!!!

[juzbee]

it's unfortunate that the majority of ppl regardless of race are confused by the idea of reparations,every one thinks money $ $. Reparations are needed not so much in the form of money but our communities, develop the buildings on our blocks, put money into our schools,text books, after school programs,teacher salaries, incorporate black studies in high school so the truth be known, etc. truth is there are still ppl who can't even read or write just money isn't going to do them any good.

[drunknsailor]

do you really think this poem is about sekou putting some money in his pocket? if you knew him you'd know. hell, if you listened to the poem you'd know. listen hard next time. do him that respect.

[drunknsailor]

never mind i just realized you were expounding expanding... i get it. my bad.

[finderschoice1234]

He told the truth.

[tm2jetfire]

Those who deserve reparation are dead. The injustice they suffered can NEVER be resolved, only mourned, and learned from.

[finderschoice1234]

wake up! Blood

[tm2jetfire]

Why should I pay a man reparations for enslaving him, when he has never been a slave and I have never owned a slave?

[KwameJawanzaa]

Take a closer examination of your 'logic.' Your line of logic can be used to deny the European Jew reparations for the atrocities of during World War 2, yet they were given reparations [as was Japan]. Let's not be so myopic in what is obviously a Double Standard of Justice.

[KwameJawanzaa]

You admit to the injustice but you fail to acknowledge that cheap slave labor is what built this country. You say you never owned a slave however you have inherited the debt of reparations that is outstanding and overdue. You are still the beneficiary of this injustice. It can be resolved by paying what is due whether slaves are dead or alive. You cannot escape karma. Note that all hurricanes follow the path of the slaveships from the coast of West Africa to the eastern seaboard of America.

[finderschoice1234]

your blood!

[noi5e]

Rest in peace, Sekou - a former student.

[stewew]

Beautiful talent... amazing skill... but not a dime from this pocket. I didn't do anything to oppress anyone.

I respect the man's gift, but racism cuts both ways and I don't owe a damn thing to anyone.. black, white, yellow, brown or otherwise. I judge people as individuals... not by their color, religion, ancestry, economic status or any other "book cover".

Peace.

[vurnt22]

With all due respect. Sekou isn't talking about you, but the entreched historical system of racism and white supremacy that has embedded white privilege. You may be color blind. But society is not. Peace

[KwameJawanzaa]

To stewew: Racism does not cut both ways as racism entails the economic and political wherewithal to enforce one's prejudice. Africans in America do not have that power to enforce prejudice. Black 'racism' has never, and could never prevent white men from walking on the moon or becoming a President. You might be 'colorblind' but this world isn't.

[Shmecklecka]

The TRUTH can make we tremble.

[pachacutti]

Hermano Sekou ahora descansa con los ancianos!!

rest in peace Brother!

-Pachacutti

[edarem]

He died of heart failure on July 18, 2007 in Valhalla, N.Y. He was 58 and lived in Brooklyn.

[winpointmedia]

bEAUTIFUL PEOPLE KEEP LEAVING THIS PLACE!!pEACE BROTHER SEKOU

[KwameJawanzaa]

My Brother and Colleague Sekou! I am already missing your presence on the earth plane. Enjoy your transition into the realm of the ancestors.

dadadoodada!!!

Bro. Kwame[Henry Coston]

[marylandavenue]

The world with Sekou in it held the beauty, power, anger and grace of his voice, literally, and in the work he made. I'm glad I got the chance to tell him so, repeatedly, when he was here to hear it. Thank you for all that pleasure, over all that time. This is an enormous loss. Elena Alexander

[reujack]

what a gifted spirit sekou was.... (duh!) sometimes i think i would give my reparations check to, say,

the eternally wounded, looted, and maimed flatted thirds and sevenths folks like elvis claimed. or to someone like jim rice, who should be in the baseball hall of fame (his amazing stats notwithstanding) just for spending his entire professional career in boston!

reuben

washington, dc

[vernacularhomicide]

Safe and peaceful transition, Brother Sekou ) :

[ReinaMantanza]

I am a fellow poet from the BX now living in SC I had the pleasure of performing at the same events that sekou did. I knew his daughter she went to my school and I had met his wife today is a very sad day for the Spoken Word arena and the Poetry Community in general we truely have lost a gem. But we have his words that resonate to hold on to.

"Poetress Sexy Sassy Saucy Sammy"

Chas. SC

[OniLove]

Dodge Poetry Festival in NJ. Sekou was featured. mind/heart/soul flew open. Pied Piper Of Poetry solomon was not wiser than you his wisdom...finer...or poetic view wiser words couldn't of made my day after hearing what you had to say so simplistic...so natural...so it seemed you left city screams walking into my dreams sharing a weekend lovin' poetry n' prose in crowds of crowds i saw a chocolate rose. (2001)Oni Lasana

[boopboopbeep]

He was my professor, and he always spoke this rhythmically. (Just in response to some of the other comments, he never insulted the white Christian male or put the blame on "the white." He inspired all of us, with all our different races.) He taught us to question and explore every idea. He was a wonderful writer and human being, and a true inspiration. RIP Sekou.

[RBGStreetScholar]

RIU (REST IN UHURU)

[nekforever]

Sekou was a brilliant performing artist, an original trailblazer. For all those who knew and loved him, my prayers are with you. He is home now. God bless.

[virtue2k]

Sekou passed away today...may his soul and message live eternally.

Rodney

[blakpoet]

"Let this be my epitaph-his heart till the very in was in the left place. We were nuts from the git-go, insane from the what not"

Preach on Sekou, your sound like your heart, unbound.

Sekou Sundiata-the gods of your ancestors await you!

peace. KC

[dustmitefromsanjose]

Mr. Sundiata is in grave condition after suffering two heart attacks. Keep him in your thoughts.

[hendrixfreak93]

this poem convinced me that reparations are a good thing

-from a suburban teenage white-boy

[toobunnilicious]

I saw him live with his band about six years ago and wasn't impressed. I like this much better.

[papalolo]

DAMN THE TRUTH HURTS....

[Synthe]

So according to the "black power" niggas, the white Christian male is responsible for all the problems in the world..... right.....

[inferno1985]

man what race has been going from place to place fucking up people and their environment learn yah history, they used to say the sun did not set on the roman\british\spanish empires kid

[unpoeticpoet099]

yeah

[a2poet]

Not only does this piece bridge the gap between page and stage but Sekou has a way of approaching subject matter from various cultural prespectives which enthralls multicultural audiences, almost willing a crowd, as a lawyer would, to see his side of a case. Timeless shit.

[twilighteyez]

Repartations?......Okay, can my people get some from the Italians then? Those Romans were bastards to us.

[Arcain101]

I think the Japanese are more deserving of reperations. Afterall, a lot of them have a very light skin-tone you know. *sarcasm*

[namsu22]

fucking awesome

[westplace2001]

do u think that will solve everythings."reparations" I don't think so.

[trutexan21]

brang it on!!!

[superman1455]

whoaa

[hububub]

America is the most disgusting place on the face of the planet. Why are you so divided by race. SO obsessed with your shared cultural history with thousands of dead long gone barefoot serfs and slaves. White people couldn't leave their farms in Europe untill 1700's. Enslaved to a duke.  Grow up. Everyone's oppressed. No one is unique. We're all mutts.

[ReinaMantanza]

I loved it spoke the truth as all spoken word artist do. "C'mon and bring on the reperations." For all that our culture and people have endured.

[youny082]

free money?! was it free when the japanese received money have some understanding i don't completely agree with it but nothings free get it right

[4sight2020]

Every nationality, race and/or religion was persecuted at some point in history. People have been enslaved, genocide has been committed and land has been taken indisciminatly. Don't wait for the government to give you what you yourself can earn. Don't draw lines where they should not exist. I'm a humanist and I do respect his right to be heard.

[chochr]

That's actually not true. Our idea of race has been constructed by European imperial powers to justify slavery. Race never played a role until well after the start of the 17th century. So in fact, racial oppression has only been perpetrated against people of color in Wester Europe and now all over the world thanks to globalization.

[lorimneal]

In response to 4sight2020:

Funny how white folks always want to bring up "all nationalities/races/religions having been persecuted" etc whenever Black people speak up about what is owed us. Yet no matter how many murders are committed, white folks still get mad over OJ. The man was acquitted in a fair trial white folks still won't give him any peace. Could this be a double standard?? Me thinks so.

[Smurfquarterly]

*if Johnny Cochran and OJ were white, everybody would be calling them another pair of slick ass privlaged white folk getting away with murder...again...not a wrongfully accused black man as a victim and his great talented lawyer saving the day...ok

perspective is a son of a gun

[queenpo9]

Brother Sekou is talking about reparations for African Americans plain and simple. If you are a humanist then support this movement. Other groups have demanded reparations and got them, why not the African American?

[queendamaris]

Reparations are long overdue...one can only hope in the meantime I opt to labour for myself,my family and my people! Viva Mama Africa!

[jaystar7182954]

longover due

[docmacy]

A true and wise master at work....inspiring!

[Fenix187]

nice that was live

[blackmasterpeice]

AMEN!!! Bring on the reparations they are overdue

[hoeyhimself]

I just saw Sekou last night in Ann Arbor,Mi. He really puts on an amazing show, his band was great, he plays off the music and just sets a real cool mood..has alot of strong messages. Great show.

[haikus575]

Who gets the reparations?

[TORHNAD]

Good call.  A lot of people would use it well, start a business, support their family, etc...

But smething tells me several would use it to buy escalades and platinum teeth, further feeding this disgusting system of over consumption and artificial values.

The government in place will not help you. You must help yourself by helping your community.

[ArtCrimez]

lol wordand benzes and lamburginis

[queendamaris]

That's right brother/sister!

[ambelle]

I agree... come on and bring on the reparations

[ra795]

The brother is full of love. Reminds me of breakfast on every sunday morning. This is a feeding for the soul. A rememberance. I am so hungry....

[utahaztec]

40 acres and a mule times interest

[BattleAngel]

what this man speaks is the truth.

we need reparations.

[iniikpe]

Thought provoking, well spken, 5 stars

[ShadowWorks]

The US would go broke 100 times over! lol

They always give the Jewish reperations, people became Jews just to get reperations!

[barricuda22]

Please understand it is not $ he is speaking about.

[Micfri]

I think there should be reparations!