by Chairman Fred Hampton Jr.
This here is dedicated to the Lady of the Day
That held a pen for Paul Robeson.
To a stand up Sistah and Mother to so many and the
Wife of the late Charles Burroughs that just went on her homegoing.
To the Black baby that was born in southern Louisiana,
Who was baptized in real deal conditions and circumstances.
And 95 years later with no self interest in this business,
With her only motivation being the uplifting and
To create better conditions for the masses.
Today, we commemorate this Lady Legend that
Just made her transition.
To the Woman of the spoken word,
The Freedom fighter that even when she spoke softly,
When even in the midst of a crowded room could still be heard.
To the Dedicated Diehard that defended the legacy
Of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable when it wasn’t
No popular thing to do.
To the teacher to so many people whom she educated without due pay,
The Matriarch who refused to do what they wanted
Her to do within the Chicago Public Schools.
To the lil’ Lady that even on a daily basis made giant moves.
Dr. Margaret Burroughs was on a mission and to her dying day
Kept on resisting – now I hope you still listening –
Uncapitulating and refusing to compromise her principles.
To the petite political activist and poet that paid so many dues
And refused to lose. And whom the government banned
Up out of Stateville Prison.
Long Live the Legacy of Dr. Margaret G. Burroughs!
POCC Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. can be reached at chairmanfredjr@gmail.com. Dr. Margaret Burroughs, teacher in schools and prisons and founder of the internationally renowned DuSable Museum, passed Sunday, Nov. 21, at her home in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.