To My Ancestors

For every one of you who were denied the opportunity 
I will vote 
For every one of you who survived as an act of resistance 
I will vote
For every one of you who dreamed of freedom 
I will vote
For every one of you who died hearing “less than” in your ears
I will vote
For every one of you who had family ripped forever from your arms
I will vote
For every one of you who became strange fruit on a dark night
I will vote
For every one of you who had no say over your body 
I will vote
For every one of you beaten, intimidated, or humiliated 
I will vote
For every one of you who birthed unwanted children
I will vote
For every one of you who risked death and the law for a choice
I will vote
For every one of you who were victimized without justice
I will vote 
For every one of you who dared to dream one of your decedents could be president 
I will vote
For every one of you who endured so that I can be here in this moment 
I will vote 

-gws