Uhuru is Swahili
For the Arabic Hurriyya
Hurriyya means Freedom

Uhuru to my people
From a life of desperation
Denial of decent education

Of real opportunity to break
From the vicious cycle
Of corruptible poverty
And official brutality

Of forced addiction
To misery and affliction

Of fecklessness and dope
In search of illusive
Deceptive,
False hope

Disappointing leadership
That’s lost its focus
And is confused
Often under attack
Mentally drained
And morally bruised

With the exception
Of the brave few
Their silence is deafening
Old mavericks are betrayed
By the egotistic new

Uhuru to the people
Shall only come from within
Change not your convictions
Nor mask the color of your skin
“I don’t care” is a crime
Apathy is a grave sin

Submit not to the status quo
Don’t give in
Or lay low
Free the spirit from bondage
Don’t put it on hold
Challenge the system
Make a difference
Get involved

Uhuru

*Dedicated to Omali Yeshitila, an old maverick, and chairman of the Uhuru movement.