1. GUIDELINES BE CREATIVE!!!!!!! At least 10 lines Must give a title Topic – What Black History means to me Free verse or rhyme Use details about African-American History (people and or events)

2. What is Black History? By Latorial Faison It is the dirt road our forefathers trod, Memories of their lives branded in our hearts. It is a word, a place, a state of mind. Black history is a peek into our ancestors’ time. It is a piece of fabric our grandmothers wore, An old rope that our grandfathers lived to deplore. It is a slave ship and middle passage over seas. Black history is cotton fields and tobacco leaves. It is a plantation overseer and back door crumbs, Weeping and wailing, a beating of drums. It is a troubling truth, an unapologetic past. Black history is an entire race struggling to last. It is a Mississippi burning in a Tennessee town, An evil that lingers to bring Black people down. It is a book or movie of strength, courage, and will. Black history is the fate of young Emmett Till. It is little Ruby Bridges, the exquisite Ruby Dee, Carter G. Woodson, and Coretta Scott King. A Mahalia Jackson song, a Michael Jackson routine, Black history is the phrase “Let freedom ring!” It is Cheney University, the Tuskegee Airmen, The N. A. A. C. P., the Black Holocaust Museum. It is a navy master diver named Carl Brashear. Black history is our legacy of triumph without fear. It is General Colin Powell, a Vaudeville drama, Zora Neale Hurston, and President Barack Obama. It is every single experience of our history. Black history is the story of you and me.

3. What Does Black History Mean To Me? by Tanisha L Herrin Tanisha L Herrin I couldn't imagine living during a time when rules were so strict And the color of your skin created such controversy and conflict If you were dark you were treated differently and unfair By those who had no heart simply because they didn't care We may have been called stupid or ignorant if we had no education Times we tried to do something positive with ourselves we faced complication Our ancestors have been through pain and suffering for so long It amazes me what they've gone through- to me they were strong Then came along the black brothers and sisters who paved the way The inventors, creators, those who made their mark for us to stay They didn't care what anybody said about the color of their skin Moving forward they had hope, strength, motivation, and self-discipline There are people who ask,"Is it really necessary to have a month to celebrate?" Why not acknowledge African Americans who's contributions were more than great In the present and even the future, what they did for society in the past Will leave a mark for generations to come that will forever last So if you have to ask, "What does black history mean to me?" Well I can say that I have a better idea of what it means to be free!

4. WHAT DOES BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEAN TO ME BY BRANDON FORT Black History is a time when African-Americans Can take the time out and see what the people before Them fought for Black History is a time of rejoicing, celebrating And thanking those African-Americans for giving Us hope or a life lesson that could be used Black History is a time when we can be reminded About what it means to be an African-American Black History isn’t just about all the bad times We’ve been through It’s about integrity, leadership, and determination It’s about showing your true character THAT’S WHAT BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEANS TO ME.