Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People

For over 400 years, African American heroes--famous ones as well as everyday ones--have forged a place for themselves and their progeny in America. Poet Carole Boston Weatherford, inspired by archival photographs dating from the Civil War to the present, has written over two dozen poems to celebrate freedom fighters, astronauts, farmers, musicians, athletes, laborers, and millionaires. In strong, beautiful language, accompanied by attention-grabbing historical photos, she tells the stories of men and women who "Never forget; always remember," dedicating one poem to Rosa Parks, another to Harriet Tubman, and still another to William Carney of Company C. From "Freedom Fighter":

I'll stand before the masses
and try to make it plain;
I am an American;
call me by my name.
I'll say what's in my heart
and plead not just for me,
but for my people everywhere
yearning to be free.

(Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter