Essence of Hope Lyrics

And how do you prepare

The next generation without the black woman

The original master teacher and student

The way we've had to live life alone since the beginning of time

While showing everyone else how to do that shit too

How do you prepare

The next generation without the black woman

And our knowledge

Holding a compass with frames different than all the rest

The way we love while we correct

How do you prepare

The next generation without the black woman

Our innate authority comes from our interactions

With the most monstrous parts of this world

So we know for what we speak

Testimonials passed down on a string of demanding simply a seat

At the table

See a classroom without a black woman is a missed opportunity

For the world to know empathy and drive at a scale of real depth

How we listen, before quick with the tongue

A memoir to how we've been silenced

This practice comes from years of real world training

Times we were dismissed and forced to learn a new skill

How they gave us improper names because they couldn't handle drip

They called us strong, I say we selfless

Still giving everything we have for the need of the greater good

They say we pester, I say we exhausted

Still dropping knowledge every single damn day

They say we bitter, I say we ain't censored

Our lectures are loaded with ugly truth

How you and I may not be of kin, but we both raised from the same womb

How do you prepare

The next generation without the black woman

How do you teach love and living life in rhythm without us

The creators of the beat

Originators of oppression with style

Heads held high strolling thru mobs

Teaching lessons of bravery at the age of 6

Sitting wherever we damn well please

Taking this country to trial and winning

See black women

Been snatching every nook and cranny you can find

A product of leaving us with our own minds

So gather round and take a seat

Let me tell you the story of how black women been leading the pack

Been raisin up men and sending them on back

Been mothers to orphans and the soul in the prayer

Been the heart to the promise of better days

The essence of hope

We like the air

Every fucking where

Infusing you with life and purpose