Imani Reed is a 7th grader at Chicago Public Schools. Her poem was submitted with permission by her proud tutor, Rowena Mason.

You took our hearts with you when you soared to the stars.
Now, Mae Jamison, you’re back on earth.
When you go around driving in cars,
We’d better get out of your way, because you drive for all your worth.

Nichelle Nichols played a Lieutenant on the Enterprise.
She told them all what to do.
Captain Kirk often had a surprise,
But they all had to stick together like glue.

Hattie McDaniel won the first Oscar for our race.
She picked it up in a beautiful gown.
She played Mammy with style and grace,
And for that night, she made Hollywood HER town.

Gabby Douglas won the individual medal in gold.
What happened afterwards was so unfair.
She did this tremendous thing for our race, so bold;
And all they did was talk about her hair.

Rebecca Crumpler, in 1864 as a woman doctor, you were the first.
The first the United States had ever known.
In comparison, other countries come off worse;
But we can claim you as our own.

Althea Gibson, in 1956, you were the Wimbledon first.
You were calm, cool, and collected.
As a tall drink of water, you satisfied our thirst;
For Black Women who were athletically connected.

Image: news.deltanewsweb.com