Its been said that life begins to end

when we become silent about what matters,

within a world where some like to pretend

being mute can hide their character.

 

Winesses to racism on tv and radio

reverberating off the walls of their homes,

opening their eyes to skin types in stereo

closed to the hate I've known.

 

Refusing to acknowledge life's torment

of a people whose civil rights are violated,

abusing our laws for sheer enjoyment

'til our dreams are annihilated.

 

Racially profiled to fit the description

of the nightmare victimizing their families,

turning their heads away from our affliction

grants long & painful death penalties.

 

Lo' in the end we'll all remember

not just the words of our racist oppressors,

but the white silence of those who surrender

to the violence of our transgressors.

 

Shhhhhhh!!  White silence!