Alabama Centennial
By Naomi Long Madgett
They said, “Wait.” Well, I waited.
For a hundred years I waited
In cotton fields, kitchens, balconies,
In bread lines, at back doors, on chain gangs,
In stinking “colored” toilets
And crowded ghettos,
Outside of schools and voting booths.
And some said, “Later.”
And some said, “Never!”
Then a new wind blew, and a new voice
Rode its wings with quiet urgency,
Strong, determined, sure.“No,” it said. “Not ‘never,’ not ‘later.’
Not even ‘soon.’
Now.
Walk!”And other voices echoed the freedom words,
“Walk together, children, don’t get weary,”
Whispered them, sang them, prayed them, shouted them.
“Walk!”
And I walked the streets of Montgomery
Until a link in the chain of patient acquiescence broke.Then again: Sit down!
And I sat down at the counters of Greensboro.
Ride! And I rode the bus for freedom.
Kneel! And I went down on my knees in prayer and faith.
March! And I’ll march until the last chain falls
Singing, “We shall overcome.”Not all the dogs and hoses in Birmingham
Nor all the clubs and guns in Selma
Can turn this tide.
Not all the jails can hold these young black faces
From their destiny of manhood,
Of equality, of dignity,
Of the American Dream, a promise overdue by a hundred years.
Now!
Summary of Alabama Centennial
- Popularity of “Alabama Centennial”: “Alabama Centennial” by Naomi Long Madgett, a celebrated American poet and writer, is a powerful poem first published in 1965. It serves as a poignant testament to the strength and resilience of African Americans in their struggle for civil rights. The poem vividly portrays the long history of oppression and the eventual rise of a determined voice demanding immediate action. Madgett’s skillful use of poetic devices and her grounding of the poem in historical events contribute to its enduring popularity and relevance.
- “Alabama Centennial” as a Representative of Struggle: The poem masterfully captures the enduring struggle of African Americans, detailing their perseverance in the pursuit of freedom and equality. It begins by establishing a sense of prolonged waiting—a hundred years spent in the shadows of injustice. The speaker conjures stark images of historical hardship—from backbreaking labor in cotton fields to the indignity of segregated facilities and denial of basic rights. This history of suffering sets the stage for the arrival of a “new voice,” a call for immediate action rather than continued delay. The poem then follows the journey of this voice, how it united a community and fueled a movement, even in the face of immense obstacles. Ultimately, the poem highlights the century-long delay in realizing the promise of equality for all.
- Major Themes in “Alabama Centennial”: The central themes of the poem revolve around the conflict between the oppressed and the oppressor, the pervasive nature of white supremacy, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom and dignity. The poem highlights the profound suffering inflicted upon African Americans over generations while celebrating their enduring spirit and determination to overcome adversity. It is a powerful statement about the human cost of injustice and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The poem also embodies the pursuit of the American Dream—a dream long deferred but not abandoned.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Alabama Centennial”
Literary devices are tools used by writers to enhance the impact of their work, adding layers of meaning and emotional resonance. Naomi Long Madgett skillfully employs a variety of these devices in “Alabama Centennial” to create a poem that is both historically grounded and deeply moving.
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words, creating a musical effect and emphasizing certain phrases. For example, the repetition of the short “e” sound in the line “Kneel! And I went down on my knees in prayer and faith” creates a sense of solemnity and reverence.
- Allusion: The poem is rich in allusions to the historical events of the Civil Rights Movement and the long history of racial injustice in America. Lines like “In cotton fields, kitchens, balconies” evoke images of slavery, segregation, and systemic oppression, instantly connecting the poem to a shared historical context.
- Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, known as anaphora, is employed to create rhythm and emphasize specific ideas. Notice the repetition of “of” in the lines “of equality, of dignity, of the American Dream,” which powerfully underscores the fundamental rights that were denied to African Americans for so long.
- Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, often used to create a musical effect or draw attention to certain phrases. While not overwhelmingly prevalent, instances like “walk together” demonstrate Madgett’s use of alliteration to create a subtle auditory effect.
- Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words, creating a sense of cohesion and musicality. Notice the repetition of the “l” sound in “Not all the jails can hold these young black faces,” which adds a subtle musicality to the line.
- Enjambment: Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. This technique creates a sense of flow and momentum, mirroring the ongoing struggle for civil rights. For instance, “Not all the dogs and hoses in Birmingham / Nor all the clubs and guns in Selma / Can turn this tide” forces the reader to move quickly through the lines, emphasizing the unrelenting nature of the opposition.
- Imagery: Madgett masterfully employs vivid imagery to evoke powerful emotions and create a lasting impression on the reader. Lines like “In bread lines, at back doors, on chain gangs” paint a stark and unflinching portrait of the hardships faced by African Americans, while “Not all the jails can hold these young black faces” presents a defiant and hopeful image of resilience.
- Metaphor: While not a sustained metaphor throughout the poem, the overall narrative of waiting and then finally walking, sitting, riding, and marching can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the long journey toward freedom and equality.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Alabama Centennial”
In addition to literary devices, certain poetic devices are specifically employed to enhance the aesthetic and emotional impact of a poem. Here’s how Madgett utilizes these techniques in “Alabama Centennial.”
- Diction and Tone: The poem’s diction is generally descriptive and direct, yet imbued with a powerful emotional charge. The tone shifts throughout the poem, ranging from patient resignation to simmering anger to defiant hope. This dynamic tonal range effectively conveys the complexities of the African American experience.
- Free Verse: “Alabama Centennial” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a regular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This lack of formal structure allows Madgett to prioritize the natural rhythm of speech and the emotional intensity of her message.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into multiple stanzas, each contributing to the overall narrative arc. The varying lengths of the stanzas reflect the ebb and flow of the struggle for civil rights. Shorter stanzas create a sense of urgency and momentum, while longer stanzas provide space for reflection and emotional depth.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Alabama Centennial” are particularly resonant and can be used effectively in motivational speeches or discussions about the importance of unity, perseverance, and social justice.
“Walk together, children, don’t get weary,”
Whispered them, sang them, prayed them, shouted them.
“Walk!”
This powerful call to action encapsulates the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement and serves as a timeless reminder that progress requires collective effort and unwavering determination.