Black Agenda Report
Black Agenda Report
News, commentary and analysis from the black left.

  • Home
  • Africa
  • African America
  • Education
  • Environment
  • International
  • Media and Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Radio
  • US Politics
  • War and Empire
  • omnibus

For Fancy Miss Nancy
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
19 Dec 2018
🖨️ Print Article
Nancy Sue Wilson 1937-2018
Nancy Sue Wilson 1937-2018

Guess who I saw
today, black and white photo,
Marching, Montgomery from
Selma, ‘65?

Guess who I saw
at my high school swingin’ the
Trio; urging us to stay in school?

Guess who I,
was privileged to sequence
a later CD for, late one night?

…and you don’t know, you don’t know how
Glad I am that she
put the purr in whisper, with a sultry
Sound that could make subpoenas seem sensuous

…and you don’t know, you don’t know how
Glad I am that she
Appeared, sparkling, at the end of the
golden era—looking as good as she sounded—
Her face should grace
Buckeye State flags emblazoned
“There will never be another you…”

…and you don’t know, you don’t know how
Glad I am that she
Hovered earth— stunning hummingbird,
gorgeous humanitarian, giving the greatest
performance of her life, moments I loitered—
not seizing the time and asking, “When did
You leave heaven?”
Though, I think it was maybe ’37? I know she’s

Free Again…

© 2018. Raymond Nat Turner, The Town Crier. All Rights Reserved.

Raymond Nat Turner is an acclaimed poet and performing artist. You can find much more of his work at http://upsurgejazz.com.

Do you need and appreciate Black Agenda Report articles? Please click on the DONATE icon, and help us out, if you can.


More Stories


  • No NATO no war
    Margaret Kimberley, BAR Executive Editor and Senior Columnist
    UNAC Conference: Decolonization and the Fight Against Imperialism
    10 Apr 2024
    The recent 2024 United National Antiwar Coalition conference brought together an international group of activists from member organizations who mobilize against imperialism, racism, and neo-…
  • Original Haitian constitution
    Editors, The Black Agenda Review
    DOCUMENT: Constitution of Hayti, 20 May 1805
    10 Apr 2024
    The 1805 Constitution of Hayti presents a far-reaching and radical vision for the nation – and demonstrates why Haiti must constantly fight for its sovereignty.
  • Rwandan refugees in Congo
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    In Praise of Blood: Crimes of the Rwandan Patriotic Front
    10 Apr 2024
    Judi Rever risked her life to write the true story of the Rwandan Genocide.
  • Mia Mottley and CARICOM
    Kevin Edmonds
    CARICOM, Regional Arm of the Core Group, Sells Out Haiti Again.
    10 Apr 2024
    Don’t be fooled by the "progressive" rhetoric of the leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). What they’re doing in Haiti is shamelessly serving the interest of US empire.
  • Kagame
    Glen Ford, BAR Executive Editor
    Kagame: Murderer of Millions in Congo and Rwanda
    10 Apr 2024
    In what may be the world’s most bizarre spectacle, notables from around the globe this year pay homage to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as if he is the savior of Africa.
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us