We are honored to feature an original poem by the 2024 City of Rockford Youth Poet Laureate, Trinity Rucker. Rucker is the third youth poet to receive this honor. She was recently profiled on WNIJ, a flagship station of National Public Radio, and WREX. 

Freedom

Unlock the cuffs 
Freedom 
Enough is enough 
Freedom
Feeling the breeze on your face 
Freedom
You should have it, no matter what race 

Tell masa he can have his negro-blood stained cuffs back 
We no longer have to run the railroad tracks 

With our face turned to the sun, our melanated skin shines 
No more beating us until our heart beats one last time 

Freedom, we should all share
Freedom, living without a care

Our hearts filled with joy 
Freedom has come 

United
Not divided 
All for one

Upcoming Performances

Opening for Sheryl Youngblood - Nordlof Center - Saturday, February 17
Rockford NAACP Black History Month Celebration - Coronado Performing Arts Center - Thursday, February 22
Black Achievers Reunion Brunch - The Lynex - Saturday, February 24
A Night In History - Northwest Community Center - Tuesday, February 27
Annual Women's Business Brunch & Soiree - 730 N. Church St. - Saturday, May 18