In 1903 he wrote the lyrics for In Dahomey, the first all-African American musical produced on Broadway, but his best-known legacy - other than the poem “ We Wear The Mask” - most likely springs from 20 th century poet Maya Angelou, who “sampled” Dunbar’s poem Sympathyfor her autobiography’s title: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. One of the first African American writers to garner international fame, Dunbar celebrated Black speech and vernacular in many of his works. was 19 th century poet Paul Laurence Dunbar – he sold his poems to people riding in the elevator he operated! rappers jump-started their careers by selling CDs out of the trunks of their cars, the real O.G. Hey, this Lori Lakin Hutcherson, founder and editor in chief of, here to share with you a daily drop of Good Black News for Monday, March 21st, 2022, based on the “A Year of Good Black News Page-A-Day Calendar” published by Workman Publishing. Or just check it out every day here on the main website (transcript below): You can follow or subscribe to the Good Black News Daily Drop Podcast through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, rss.comor create your own RSS Feed. Overall, "Caged Bird" sheds light on the systemic issues faced by black men in society, emphasizing the need for individuality, self-discovery, and the fight against oppressive systems that perpetuate inequality and confinement.By Lori Lakin Hutcherson ( # WorldPoetryDay, we celebrate poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first African American writers to celebrate Black speech and vernacular in his works.ĭunbar is featured in today’s GBN Daily Drop podcast, based on the Monday, March 21 entry from our “A Year of Good Black News” Page-A-Day®️ Calendar for 2022: The song speaks to the ongoing struggle for social justice and the hope for a brighter future. They highlight the resilience and strength of black individuals who are constantly forced to entertain and perform for others while being deprived of their basic rights. The references to alcohol, materialism, and superficiality contrast with his desire for deeper connections and personal fulfillment.īoth artists express the frustration and longing for escape from this metaphorical cage. He questions whether his cup is half-empty or half-full, asserting his resolve to keep moving forward. Omen's verse reflects on his personal journey, acknowledging the potential paths he could have taken but ultimately choosing a different, more introspective route. The prison tattoos symbolize the permanent marks left by the system on their lives. Cole questions why black men constantly lose their freedom, referencing childhood friends who are serving long prison sentences and the emotional toll it has on their loved ones. The chorus repeats the phrase "caged bird," emphasizing the sense of confinement and the illusory nature of freedom for those who are marginalized and face discrimination. The image of a caged bird is used as a metaphor for imprisonment and the desire for liberation. He expresses empathy for those who end up in jail due to the lack of positive role models and the systemic issues faced by the black community. Cole emphasizes the importance of individuality and thinking for oneself, encouraging listeners to break free from societal expectations and the influence of peers. The lyrics delve into the themes of imprisonment, loss of freedom, and the constant cycle of oppression. Omen) explores the experiences and struggles faced by black men in society, particularly those who have been incarcerated.
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