A Poem Called Freedom
(Reflections on How To Stay Free While Black)
Keeping my head to the sky
I will close my eyes
And listen for the sparrows’ whistle, the rivers roll, the trees whisper of their journey to freedom.
As the wind wipes my tears and holds me near
I will embrace the gift of this breath
Inhaling
1-2-3-reverence and wonder
Exhaling
1-2-3- guilt and fear.
Deep down I seek and reach for hope and healing
For every Black body that couldn’t
But left their names for us to remember
The unknown surrender
Of our final moment on earth.
I pledge allegiance—to my soul, the unwelcomed one of America
To seek soft landings, safe circles and sacred community
You are worthy of love, care and protection
Remember The One whose affection
Was blood-bought and redeemed for you too—to be free.
I stand tall as the noonday sun
Stretches out each ray of light and provision
I claim with intention.
Each one of my grandmothers’ prayers tied close to her breast
And even those unfound—stuck deep down
In a lost and abandoned cedar wood chest.
I want it all got receipts y’all
Here claiming all my benefits and rights to liberation
Cashing in the full return of peace, joy and blessings
No more stressin’ or pressin’ to be validated by the white stare.
Standing with both feet anchored—confidence now unearthed
Tried, true and grounded
I declare FREEDOM.
Velynn is passionate about the liberation and healing of Black women, BI-POC communities and faith-based organizations. Velynn brings over 20 years of non-profit, community engagement and anti-racist facilitation to her practice. Steeped in empowering and elevating the most underserved and underrepresented communities and families in Oregon and throughout the country– Velynn understands the unique challenges and constraints facing the most vulnerable and marginalized, Velynn supports leaders and institutions in restructuring and reimagining more equitable and inclusive spaces in both being and doing the work.
Velynn recently launched Roots and Remnant Consulting, a space that works with leaders and organizations to support Racial Affinity, DEI initiatives and Restorative Justice practices that centers on healing and empowering Black and Bi-POC leaders, staff and communities. Velynn continues to remain the Founder and Director of Faith and Equity, a faith-based collective equipping Christian communities to disrupt, unpack and dismantle white supremacy culture.
Velynn loves the smell of fresh rain, the joy found in Gospel music, and cooking big meals for Brown Sugar Inc.and her beloved Sistah-Girlfriends. Early mornings she sketches poems on napkins, inches towards her upcoming memoir, and dreams up plans to create a more loving and just world.
- Post-Reflections on the Buffalo, New York Shooting Massacre - May 25, 2022
- A Poem Called Freedom - February 26, 2021
- America Looted The Black Body: (RIP George Floyd) - July 30, 2020
Yes ma’am. I felt this deep in my spirit. Thank you, Velynn for these words. Aśę and Amen