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
