Hillary Will Rise

Beautifully written, my sister. I still don't trust Senator Clinton. I will give this to Mrs. Clinton, she is quite a formidable opponent, for sure. I'm still supporting Senator Obama. She represents the old entrenched establishment, as clearly indicated by the massive support of the so called Super Delegates. Talk about making a mockery out of this country's 'democratic' electoral process - nullify the voice of the people by letting the Super Delegates make the choice for them. I'm glad Senator Clinton is running. This process is going to be quite heated come this summer. FOUL PLAY will be called before it's all over. GO OBAMA

My Dearest Maya, I have respected your wisdom over the span of many years -- since the Cage Bird book as a matter of fact. Your insights into people, relationships and culture have been most phenomenable. However, I was stunned beyond belief that you would compare one of your most inspirational poems to Hilary Clinton. Yes she has arisen -- but she rises from what? Senator Clinton seems to over come scandal after scandal, after scandal. Please do not misunderstand me, Hillary has made some fine contributions. But I wonder now were her movements, i.e., Children's Defense Fund etc., part of a calculated strategy to endear her to a segment of the population that she needed to support the political ambitions of she and Bill. Just for the record, I supported Hillary in the beginning of this political season. I had to change my mind after witnessing a side of both of the Clintons that forced me to do a more indepth analysis and take a good look at this team rather than succumb to the "feel good" episodes revolving around playing a sax, eating collard greens and moving an office into Harlem. I was sadly disappointed that a person of your "wisdom" and awareness would support a woman who manifests enabling symptoms in an abusive marital relationship. When Bill got out of line, she never said a mumbling word. Instead, she took up the mantle and acted out his misbehavior. Had she separated herself from Bill's comments and negativity, she would not have been defeated in South Carolina and subsequently the rest of the nation. Phenomenal women recognized the signs -- Hillary Clinton is not an independent women. She is a woman playing the role of a strong woman who is under the thumb of her man. Bill had his turn, but we cannot afford to have him back. There is too much at stake for the United States of America and its many and diverse people. I still love you Maya -- while you are free to make a choice in this democracy -- its just not time to vote for a woman because she RISES! Love, lld

Dr. Angelou, I too as a man have appreciated and admired your life story and respect your right to endorse and vote for whomever you choose. I disagree with you on *Hillary for President of the US*. Now Michelle Obama is a woman I would support for U.S. President or VP, or Attourny General... Whatever she wanted. I'd even vote for her husband just to get her in the White House. In fact, I think I'll do just that.

Wow! How astonished I was to see your support of Hillary Clinton? Wow! This statement fits Obama's characteristics more appropriatley than any other candidate " He is the prayer of every woman and man who long for fair play, healthy families, good schools, and a balanced economy." He is also the candidate to strategically remove our men and women out of a war zone where we should have never entered and return them to their homeland. He is also the candidate to help w/the crisis in Dafur. Now what happened in Rwanda, where was our "First Black President"? Oh, thats right he showed up after over million of our African sisters and brothers were murdered? Hmmm, is that what we want to bring back to the White House? Please share w/me what I am missing? I don't get it? Hillary? Nawwwwwww

I guess age does not always equate wisdom or an open mind about Obama, which is sad in this case. HRC has been in "office for how many years, and, just now she's ready to tackle major issues? What has she been doing since her husbands first term, other than run for President? Sorry, no vote for me for her. And, I agree with the poster above me, where and what has HRC done for Africa? What did she and her husband do or as about eh Rwanda genocide? What has she done about Darfur, a genocide going on while she is blasting Dr. Martin Luther King? Why wasn't she the face of outrage about New Orleans, and, the ongoing aftermath of that racist blunder? Sorry, her credentials are not as vaunted when it comes to real life major issues that face real black people as so many of her black supports seem to think, but, then again, since most of them are rich, neither do they.

Perhaps my long standing decision to support another Clinton presidency has colored my view, but I am as surprised by the surprise of others at this warm, notable endorsement, as the others seem by the wise reflections of the endorser. The tone made me think upon times of servitude, when thoughts of Black achievement among a segregated America surely brought forth sentiment similarly impassioned. One of the beautiful things about the now in this country, is that we can give voice to our opinion, often, without fear of retribution. I hope that those incensed by Sista Angelou's stance are not so discomforted that this statement denies the beauty that will define her warm spirit eternal...

I can hardly express how disappointed I am in you Ms Angelu at your support of Hillary Clinton. The way you engaged her in your poetic narrative, But Still I Rise, most of the African-American community will never understand or appriciate your support for a person I feel so not fit to be included in your poetic expression to our community. Her only attritute I feel that can possibly be that caused you to support her is that she is a woman. It should be more than that Maya; much more. The only time I can ever say that I have been disappointed in your literary expression.

I can hardly express how disappointed I am in you Ms Angelu at your support of Hillary Clinton. The way you engaged her in your poetic narrative, But Still I Rise, most of the African-American community will never understand or appriciate your support for a person I feel so not fit to be included in your poetic expression to our community. Her only attritute I feel that can possibly be that caused you to support her is that she is a woman. It should be more than that Maya; much more. The only time I can ever say that I have been disappointed in your literary expression.

Maya, you have been my strength. Your poems have inspired me to do great things. I serve on the Commission for the Status of Women in my hometown and have taken up the cause of women and children. With that said, I do not see Hillary as an independent woman. I see her as a woman who has been abused by a wayward man. She crys when things do not go her way. Maria Shirver is my idea of an independent woman. She chose to stand for what she believes regardless of her husband's stance. Hillary went to Florida when her party denied the votes and delegates. That defies party loyality. Then Bill Clinton's disrespectful comments about Obama. It says to me that they have taken the Black vote for granted. I want a new President not the whispering in the ear ideas of a husband who will sleep in the White House for another term. SBF

Shirley, Hillary's Florida adventure is deeper than party loyalty. Hillary made a promise (along with John Edwards and Barack Obama) that she would not campaign in Florida. Well we know what happened. John and Barack kept their promises. If Florida's citizens are to have votes, Hillary Clinton's way was the absolute WRONG way to do it.

I have much love for Dr. Maya Angelou and appreciate her profound words of wisdom. That said, I have to say I respectfully disagree with her. Hillary has and will continue to rise, but we cannot ignore what has risen over the horizon for millions of Americans and people around the world - that of the hopeful, inspring, uniting candidacy of Barack Obama. Sincerely, Tyrone Brown Seattle Washington

Jeff, where was Senator Barack Obama on the issue of Rwanda? No where to be seen or heard. Also, Bill Clinton was slow to intervene in The Balkan wars too. And why do we have to police the world? Why is it always our responsibility to stop people from hacking up each other. Furthermore, you can't have it both ways. You can't link Hillary to Bill for the negative, but not link her to Bill for the positive.

Um, not to throw dirt, but she only has an honorary doctorate folks! She did not go through the research and/or academic rigors required by 99% of those holding such title. Honorary degrees are basically given to people who have spoken at an undergraduate commencement. Now, Hillary, STILL SHE CRIES, WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, THE ACT YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN HER DUE, THE TEARS THEN STREAM FROM HER EYES, STILL SHE CRIES They made the mistake of giving him the stage during the Democratic convention. They thought they were going to trot him out and pimp him and then allow him to move up under their guidance. Thanks Obama for standing on your own two feet and not being like the Black Caucus, who never say or do much of anything for the good of anybody, let alone Blacks! MS! Maya, be grateful for what you have received and thanks for your opinion, but I think we got this!

*****************SPEECHLESS********************** I thank every single person who left a comment here because Maya's endorsement of Hilliary left me saddened and absolutely speechless. How a Black person of her stature, creative genius and wordly wisdom could/would intentially bypass endorsing Barak Obama to endorse Hilliary Clinton is just mind boggling.

I am so tired of these so-called Black leaders that have yet to make any sense of their support for Hillary. We all know there is very little difference in each candidates policies. The big difference lies within the style of the candidate. Barack has eloquently stated his belief that we have to build a coalition of individuals to work together. Hillary constantly presents a style of divide and conquer and plays victim when called on the carpet. Fortunately,people are wiser and brighter than in 1992. Hillary and Bill can visit as many Black churches as they want, go talk to the aging and out-of-touch Black organizations, and try to reinvent themselves with a Black campaign manager, but the Black community is not HAVING IT! We have spoken loud and clear in South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Connecticut, and California that Barack is our candidate of choice! We realize he is not the best Black candidate, but he is the BEST CANDIDATE. Most importantly, it really comes down to the character of the individual. Hillary and her husband have shown their character time and time again. It's not a pretty sight to behold. I come to question the character of any person that chooses a candidate that will lie at all costs, and cheat at any costs to win. Like my mother use to say "When you lay with dogs you will get fleas." Unfortunately, I think Maya you have picked up some serious fleas, and need to be sprayed before it's too late.

If I had just one question for Ms. Angelou it would be "At what point during your decision-making did gender trump race?" As a male, it's hard for me to grasp the concept of black women supporting Hillary over Obama. I could easily understand it more if Obama was not a qualified or reasonably unqualified candidate. By all accounts, he's smart, intelligent, and didn't rise to power on the coattails of affirmative action nor the civil rights guard. I often wonder would these black women be as supportive of the issues if Barack was a white male and Hillary a sister. Maya, support whom you choose. But, the same non-argument you are making for Clinton can easily be re-written into a narrative about Obama being a strong black man being the "prayer of every woman, woman and man who long for fair play, healthy families, good schools, and a balanced economy. When I listen to Maya use her famous poems to bolster support for Clinton, I get a bit lightheaded. It is the same squeamish feeling I get when I hear white liberals compare gay rights to civil rights/slavery.

I am so saddened to hear Maya Angelou use her beautiful poetry to support Hillary Clinton, simply because she is a woman. As a near 60 year old black woman myself, I have been a fan of Ms. Angelou since the 60's. I am crushed that she is not using her literary genious to lift the campaign of Senator Obama who has worked on the streets of my great city for years fighting for the same rights that we all fight for. His inspiration trancends race or gender. I have been around long enough to know that Sen. Clinton will be the same old, same old. I am truly tired of my people supporting candidates and voting based on loyalties. I refer to it as the old slave mentality that is imbeded in us. Break the chains, Maya. We will still love you. BW

I just don't understand why so many black people think they owe their souls to the Clintons. Bill Clinton might have hired more blacks in his cabinet than any other president, but that doesn't make him a god. He made a few pictures with MLK senior, but did you see him sleeping sleeping last week. I guess he was bored last week while King's son was giving a speech. Maya Angelou need to sit back, continued your good work in poetry, and go down in history as one of our great poets. We have an educated generation of blacks, they know how to vote.

thank you dr. angelou!!! for being the voice of political sanity in the endless frays of new pop idol insanity the republikkkans are obama's biggest fans as they rally to to slay him in nov... hillary has proven that she can slay the republikkkan dragons who will swiftly turn obama to ash in nov this "election" to date has proven that sexism is FAR stronger than racism and that a wo-man is always the best man for any job peace alicia banks eloquent fury www.geocities.com outlook http://aliciabanks.blogspot.com/

Alicia, Are you putting your body/vote on the line to shield the equally qualified, more Right-on-day-one Mr. Obama from the Republican lies and attacks that you say are coming? Are you going forth in spiritual faith, hope and love with the opportunity that Mother Nature and Father Time have given us at this moment? What ARE you doing that is of deep worth?

I don't get it either. Why are so many black leaders against Obama? Not that I think Maya is a leader per se, but is she doing this cause the Clintons had her do a poem at the inauguration?? Seriously, it is almost like some sort of slave mentality thing..."master going to take good care of us?".... The Clintons had 8 years, Bush had 8 years, we can't let a fresh of breath air in for a minute? The man is doing something that has never been done and folks are just standing on the sideline bettting on the Clintons because they just KNEW he would lose. Now they can't swith sides because it will look insincere. That's what happens when you back the wrong house. Now if the man wins the white house, these so called leaders won't even get an invitation the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Alicia Banks, THANK YOU!!!!

I think it's sad that the reaction to Maya's bit on Hillary is so knee-jerk. You may disagree with her opinion but she is no less wise than she was before she said something you didn't like. The only reason why the people complaining want Obama in is that they think they can strong arm him into doing what they want and say it is for the good of the Black community. (A.) What you think is good for the Black community might not be the best thing and (B.) As president it would be his responsibility do work for the welfare of ALL Americans be they black, white, hispanic, buddhist, christian, vodou, straight, gay...whatever. The point of American presidency should be for the benefit of all Americans. Get off Maya's back!

I must say I find the majority of these comments respectful to Dr. Maya Angelou's comments. I certainly tried to set that tone when I made my comments. She has the right to her opinion and I respectfully must disagree. I also have to say I'm shocked speechless that such a powerful poem is now being dedicated to Senator Clinton- although she might might need them words, she needs something to get up from under. Erzulie's Fool and Ms. ALicia Banks, c'mon now give some of us credit for having independant minds and recognizing an opportunity for ALL AMERICANS when it comes along. I will say this I truly wished that a viable woman candidate had actually put her hat in the ring for the Presidency. Her name just isn't HRC. This contest is not about race or gender, anymore. It definitely helps that the front runner -I can confidently say that now- is a beautiful, intelligent and accomplished person of african heritage married to an equaly beautiful, intelligentand accomplished Black woman with the most precious girl children. Just think where we would all be if Harriet Tubman listened to her husband, who was fearful of her conductin a freedom train. RISE UP OBAMA and KEEP ON, KEEPIN' ON for US ALL.

Wow!! I am shocked at how many people on here here are personally attacking Dr. Maya Angelou because she supports Hillary Clinton! Since when did support for Hillary Clinton mean that you're somehow against Barrack Obama?! I happen to like BOTH candidates! I just prefer Hillary over Barrack. My people, if Obama gets the nomination and wins the position, that doesn't mean all black folk's troubles will disappear overnight! That man will have a stack of problems waiting on him, that will take at least TWO full terms to straighten out.

Are you all serious!!? You mean to tell me that people cannot vote for whom they want to vote for in this era!! 1. This is America, there are all different nationalities here. So, he or whomever takes office will have to focus on a lot of different issues. Not just black issues. Black people may be the last to get issues resolved. 2. Bush has made a big mess. It is going to take a while to clean up his mess. He or whomever takes office will not have time to do 5% of what was promised to the "American people." This is already going to be a difficult task going behind Bush. Having a Black President does not mean Black people are going to have it any better. All politicians say they are going to do, but once they are elected, they don't. We are all different. Our differences are what separates us. Some people think that Hilary will make a great President, and some think Obama will. Let people make their own choice. This is awful that people are not able to make individual/personal choices. What makes you think you are right?? Why can't people vote for whom they want?? This is not the slavery era, we do have some rights. Who are you to judge someone because they feel differently from how you feel? Most blacks are still stuck in the slavery era. The Whites really brain-washed some of you or your ancestors, and it has been rubbed off on you. You are doing the same thing to the blacks today as the Europeans did to our ancestors, not letting people have a choice. Ms Angelou has the right to be for whomever she wants to be for. Most blacks were with Clinton, when they thought he was all for them. "He is the first black President," some referred to him as. Wow, keep on depositing into the bank accounts of the slave masters.

Are you all serious!!? You mean to tell me that people cannot vote for whom they want to vote for in this era!! 1. This is America, there are all different nationalities here. So, he or whomever takes office will have to focus on a lot of different issues. Not just black issues. Black people may be the last to get issues resolved. 2. Bush has made a big mess. It is going to take a while to clean up his mess. He or whomever takes office will not have time to do 5% of what was promised to the "American people." This is already going to be a difficult task going behind Bush. Having a Black President does not mean Black people are going to have it any better. All politicians say they are going to do, but once they are elected, they don't. We are all different. Our differences are what separates us. Some people think that Hilary will make a great President, and some think Obama will. Let people make their own choice. This is awful that people are not able to make individual/personal choices. What makes you think you are right?? Why can't people vote for whom they want?? This is not the slavery era, we do have some rights. Who are you to judge someone because they feel differently from how you feel? Most blacks are still stuck in the slavery era. The Whites really brain-washed some of you or your ancestors, and it has been rubbed off on you. You are doing the same thing to the blacks today as the Europeans did to our ancestors, not letting people have a choice. Ms Angelou has the right to be for whomever she wants to be for. Most blacks were with Clinton, when they thought he was all for them. "He is the first black President," some referred to him as. Wow, keep on depositing into the bank accounts of the slave masters.

Pardon us. For the record, from what I read of the comments - very very few (if any) have "attacked" Ms. Angelou or gotten on "her back". Ms. Angelou is a public figure who wrote a public column. Readers have a right to voice their opinions.

Well, from what I read of these comments, she has been personally attacked. According to some people on here, she has gone from being a beloved public figure, to having her integrity and education questioned. I thought comment about her only having a "honorary" doctorate degree was a REAL CHEAP SHOT, and TOTALLY uncalled for. I'm sure Dr. Angelou won't be losing any sleep over all the people that are so-called disappointed in her. Hell, I was disappointed four years ago when so many of my own black people fell for George W. Bush's right wing, anti-gay, religous movement. We turned out in very high numbers to vote REPUBLICAN just because of gay marriage. George W. had mega church preachers like T.D. Jakes and Donnie Mcclurkin pushing his agenda as well, and negro's fell for it! So trust me, there's PLENTY of "disappointment" to go around when talking about black folks and politics. Dr. Angelou, I STILL support you in all that you do, because I know your oppinions came straight from your heart and soul. You have proven over the decades that you are a human of GREAT integrity!

As I read your comments it still amazes me that how uninformed you all are, by the way Hillary never campaigned in Florida she came to Florida on a fund raiser that was set way in advance of any decision not to campaign, furthermore a fund raiser is not campaigning, and if you must know the only one who did campaign via the media was Barack Obama who the media only wants to cover and noboody else, have you ever wondered why.

Thank you Dr. Angelou, obviously an independent thinker. As for the Obama supporters, at least your candidate has Oprah.

DR Maya Angelou is an American treasure. Like so many, I love her for her talent and her beautiful spirit which has so many times lifted up the people of this great country. I believe any decision she makes transcends color, race and age, because she understands the inherent freedom of thought that is guaranteed under our Constitution. She has the right to endorse and/ or vote for whoever she wants. I celebrate that freedom that binds us all to the common good. God bless DR Angelou, and God bless the United States of America.

Thank you. Please read this SCARY article. Obama is NOT who he claims to be. http://www.thecityedition.com/Pages/Archive/Winter08/2008Election.html

Has anyone thought that the right may be USING Obama and that the right may be HOPING for a backlash from the left after he gets 'elected' and he IS NOT what people had hoped for, when he does not represent change, merely MORE OF THE SAME? ANY kind of demonstrations at all could be used as an excuse by the right to step in and defend the powers that be.. against the 'unruly black and brown hordes'.. as they would spin it. The fact that Obama is black would be a dream defense for them against the inevitable cries of racism. This is their wet dream and lets face it, it is a battle they would win, but it would not stop there.. that would just be the beginning.. Europe, mid 20th century, how soon we forget.. Please read this article.. its very good.. http://www.thecityedition.com/Pages/Archive/Winter08/2008Election.html

Oh, please. There is one line in your poem that reads, "I am the hope and dream of the slave". What slave is Hillary Clinton the hope and dream of? She is no phoenix. She has no idea what most Black women suffer through each and every day. At least Barack has Michelle, who, in my opinion, is right on point.

No torture, If you heart is right and you're trying to lean into the light, you have not time or interest in being paralized or manipulated by fear of what "The Right" [Wrong] is or isn't doing. Think high, keep your yes on true right, peace, love and justice.

You should be taken off your pedestal for not standing with Oprah for Barack. I hope your soul answers before you reach the goal.

people must realize that Hillary is our only hope, not barack, even though I am mixed half white and half african american I cannont support Barack Obama, he would not win in any general election. I think that it is sad that balck america which makes up 15 percent of the voting strength is willing to support a candiate they know nothing about.

Thanks for thinking; I grew up in America Mr. Obama did not. I was in Memphis when Dr. King was killed Mr. Obama was not. I was excited at the possibilities, but that is all that they were. I researched both candidates and I choose Hillary because I think that she can make a difference. To vote for someone just because they are black is just as dumb to vote for someone because they are women. Think America, you really got think, and do some research. He is a great speaker, but so were a lot of leaders that did nothing for their country. Having been a part of the civil rights movement I should know a good leader when I see one and Mr. Obama is not that leader.

While other nations have never laughed so hard after Bush was announced president, these same nations are watching Hillary and probably hoping and praying that she wins so that they can belittle her just as much as they are doing George W. and his posse. Hillary has proven time and time again that she cracks when the pressure builds up. No one should win such a seat because of sympathy votes. Nor does it make her look good when she demonstrates anger on camera, then goes and pulls out something from her “I’m Gonna Get You Obama” bag and shoves it in the media’s faces. Emotions and naivety have no place in politics. You cannot have weakness running a country; no matter its size. An individual has to be strong-minded and consistent. For decades, black folks have only imagined what it would be like to have someone that looks like us to be in charge of this America. Now that we have someone on the ballot, ignorance is still prevalent of him not being black enough. Yet, Bill Clinton is? Say, WHAT? It looks to me that despite his biological DNA, Obama is the blackest candidate on the ticket for 2008. And, who’s to say that his issues aren’t as good as the next candidate? I’m sure that before November hits, Obama will have gone through many more criticisms. Nonetheless, what exactly are Hillary and Bill hiding in “The Clinton Chronicles?” Why isn’t cable news splashing that all over the screen?

That you, sister Maya, as a living symbol of our people's spiritual resiliency- our greatest asset, could have the AUDACITY to link Hillary Clinton to a poem sent to you from the very depths of your own African soul; a poem sent to you for the benefit of the descendents within whom the blood of slavery runs through the veins and which is imprinted upon the DNA--could lend yourself over to such an act of ignorance and irresponsibility, is appalling at best. Do you not feel any amount of responsibility for the generations after you? What do you think an act such as this has on our people? Do you care? I'm disappointed. That's all I can say.

as a woman and as a woman of colour, i struggle between candidates. i realise i canNOT vote along a colour OR a gender line. i MUST look at issues carefully. however, i WILL say this: as ms goldberg commented yesterday on US racism, i would still say there is more resistance to voting a WOMAN of any culture into presidential office than ANY man of any culture of colour. sadly, i think the resistance to womanpower is even greater than the resistance to obamapower i do not like saying that, but sadly i think it's true that still does not entitle me to vote the hillary ticket solely on gender. as it does not entitle me to vote for barack solely on colour this is not over. we must listen, look, search, and research, and ask the hard questions of each candidate one hopes that the person winning the democratic ticket will invite the other candidate as VP. and that both candidates will shake up the hand-maiden, basically do-nothing office of VP and SHARE the work in a totally new way en la lucha Una+

Maya, Thanks for your article. Clinton is the better of the two candidates. However, Obama supporters have a right to their candidate. As African Americans we need not get overly emotional about Obama or any candidate. Its an open and free election. May the best man/woman win.

Black women suffering everyday? Come on, what country are you talking about? Like PEOPLE don't suffer every day. Drop that victim stance and you may get somewhere. Poor, poor blacks. Even Bill Cosby wants blacks to get their act together, because decent ones are doing their fare share- they work, they strive, and don't blame white people for not having everything they want. At least Maya is a smart woman who can make up her mind without seeing through black eyes. Obama's a racist and only black racists and whites in denial will vote for him.

University intellect be damn. Those of us on the community college level would like to know what were you thinking about?

Thank you Maya for having the guts to speak out for YOUR beliefs and not allowing the color of your skin to dictate your convictions one way or another. It is never an easy thing for someone to speak up when so many (as is obvious from the comments thus far) will vilify you for doing so. You're a very gutsy lady - thanks. I do not understand why Black leaders have to explain even more so their support of Sen. Clinton; as if the color of their skin should define how they vote. I do believe it is not only racist but also very patronizing to believe Black leaders are so narrow in their understanding of the issues that they would only vote the color of their skin. I naively thought that was exactly the kind of thinking Sen. Obama stands for - apprarently, from the tenor of many of these comments - not so by his supporters.

I have been a constant supporter of Senator Clinton simply because she is the best person for the job. (I have that right as an African American man) I will support Senator Obama if he is the democratic nominee. I respect and admire him. I am happy to live in a country where we are finally at a point where we can truly judge a person by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. (not the media's spin of total disdain for a woman candidate and divisive racial rhetoric that has turned Black America against the Clintons) Now I am totally saddened and shocked by so many mean spirited racist statements against Maya Angelou. We should respect her opinion and proven wisdom as an older woman. If you disagree with her, disagree respectfully. Our forefathers suffered and died for us to have that right. Black, white, brown or yellow prejudice does nothing for nobody. 2 wrongs don't make a right. A very proud African American Man, Samuel