by Michael Vick
“Pittsburgh Mississippi” – is where we’re living – a den of iniquity
A base for inequality – here a host of black folks – live in poverty
White privilege runs deep through these three rivers
Time after time the tide favors Caucasians
Far too many of us – wind up dead – or in police stations
In “Pittsburgh “Mississippi” – they’re clever witty and tricky, thus
Senseless violence – runs rampant – in – “Pittsburgh Mississippi” streets
The jokes on us – they’ve compromised our minds
To root more for the “Steelers” – than our own kind
We are being programmed to no longer be angry nor surprised
Seeing Black men in different positions of death time after time
We scream and mourn every Steeler loss
We’ll shout and march for blocks- when we are shot by cops
Yet we sit still and remain silent
In the midst of all this neighborhood violence
Nightly in “Pittsburgh Mississippi” – we hear shots
Fearfully anonymously
And compassionately someone calls the cops
They respond to the block – sadly and routinely – nobody talks
Cops say okay – and go away – my people they get paid
Regardless – if the murderers – of our family members – are apprehended
“Pittsburgh Mississippi” – is where we live – gun violence surrounds us
Our communities are no longer
Loving – nurturing – safe havens – for our kids
My people – if we don’t speak to the police – as they freely kill our peeps We’ve opened the door – for more murderers – to roam our streets
When a brother kills another brother He’s no longer – one of our peeps
They’re traitors and our enemies and should be dealt with by the police
Not other brothers seeking revenge In “Pittsburgh Mississippi’s” streets.
About the author
I’m Michael Vick a proud Pittsburgh native. My family and I moved to Harlem In New York City in 1965, shortly after the death of Malcolm X. Indeed we are a regal people From a young age I was blessed to be aware of our connection with our ancestors.
My poems are designed to speak truth
Of our vast accomplishments
And the greatness of our roots
All glory belongs to God