Young Africa's Plea By Dennis Osadebay

Also Read

Young Africa's Plea

By

Dennis Osadebay

Don't preserve my customs 

As some fine curios 

To suit some white historian's tastes

There's nothing artificial

That beats the natural way 

In culture and ideals of life.

Let me play with the white man's ways 

Let me work with the blackman's brains 

Let my affairs themselves sort out. 

Then in sweet rebirth 

I'll rise a better man 

Not ashamed to face the world. 

Those who doubt my talents

In secret fear my strength 

They know I am no less a man.

Let them bury their prejudice, 

Let them show their noble sides, 

Let me have untrammelled growth, 

My friends will never know regret 

And I, I never once forget.