In this land of freedom's boast, A shadow lingers, a heavy ghost. 

Black men strive, their spirits strong, Yet burdens weigh, where they don't belong.

From fields of cotton, chains unbound, A nation's wealth on backs profound.

Emancipation's promise bright, Met with Jim Crow's hateful blight.

Through segregation's cruel divide, Dreams deferred, where hopes have died.

A fight for justice, voices raised, For equal chances, pathways paved.

In streets of concrete, echoes rise, Of sirens' wail, of mothers' cries.

Stereotypes, a twisted game, Painting targets, whispering blame.

Yet still they rise, with strength untold, Their stories woven, brave and bold.

Black men's struggle, a nation's shame, But in their triumph, hope will flame.