Hey Black Child

“Hey Black Child” is a famous poem written by Useni Eugene Perkins. It is an inspirational piece that encourages Black children to recognize their potential, dream big, and work toward their goals. The poem has often been mistakenly attributed to other poets, but Perkins wrote it in 1975 as part of a play.

 Here is the full text of the poem: Hey Black Child, By Useni Eugene Perkins

Hey Black Child,

Do you know who you are?

Who you really are?

Do you know you can be

What you want to be

If you try to be

What you can be?

Hey Black Child,

Do you know where you are going?

Where you’re really going?

Do you know you can learn

What you want to learn

If you try to learn

What you can learn?

Hey Black Child,

Do you know you are strong?

I mean really strong?

Do you know you can do

What you want to do

If you try to do

What you can do?

Hey Black Child,

Be what you can be

Learn what you must learn

Do what you can do

And tomorrow your nation

Will be what you want it to be.

This poem has inspired generations of children to embrace their identity, pursue education, and strive for greatness.