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

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


  • Black Politics and Ukraine
    Margaret Kimberley, BAR Executive Editor and Senior Columnist
    Black Politics and Ukraine
    22 Feb 2023
    The Ukraine project is a dangerous scam perpetrated on the people of this country. Yet no member of the Congressional Black Caucus has attempted to speak truthfully about this ongoing disaster.
  • SPEECH: Racism Was Central to the Invasion, Albert Barrow, 1990
    Editors, The Black Agenda Review
    SPEECH: Racism Was Central to the Invasion, Albert Barrow, 1990
    22 Feb 2023
    Remembering the 1989 US invasion of Panama as a racist attack on Black people.
  • Why Embracing Anti-Colonialism Made Malcolm a Marked Man
    ​​​​​​​ Ajamu Baraka, BAR editor and columnist
    Why Embracing Anti-Colonialism Made Malcolm a Marked Man
    22 Feb 2023
    Malcolm X was a legendary revolutionary who is still loved by millions of people. The anniversary of his assassination is an opportunity to reflect on his impact.
  • The Israel of Africa
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    The Israel of Africa
    22 Feb 2023
    Rwanda and Israel reinforce each other's license to kill based on past victimization, and Rwanda supports Israel at the African Union.
  • Who bombed Palestine this time?
    Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
    Who bombed Palestine this time?
    22 Feb 2023
                                                           …
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us