BE STRONG

Claudia Gonsalves

Be strong black men, be strong!

Don't let the oppressors break you down

don't let them;

don't let them take your strength

and suppress it in a prison cell

don't let them, black men,

don't let them!

Don't accept their drugs

and distribute them

instead of hugs

don't do it black men,

don 't do it!

Don't let them turn your mind

and leave you completely blind

be strong, black men,

be strong!

Use your strength

to build our nation

by building up your mind

by building up our communities

by being nice and loving to your own kind

and by sharing some quality time.

Remember that we're hurting too

so be kind to us, black men,

be kind.

Improve your life

share your thoughts

share your hurts with your family

we sincerely care about you.

Be there for your children

be there for your parents

be our support.

Be there for us, black men,

be there!

Be our hope

be our lighthouse

to guide us to a brighter, better future.

Be our fortress to protect us from negative forces

from those who want to destroy us.

Protect us, black men,

protect us!

When it seems there is nowhere else to go

look around you, we're here for you.

We are your strength

we're here for you, black men,

we're here.

Just reach out or call

but most of all

be strong, black men,

be strong!

© Claudia A. Gonsalves