Have you forgotten me? by Nancy B. Brewer The bricks I…
““Have you forgotten me? by Nancy B. Brewer The bricks I laid or the stitches I sewed. I was the one that made the quilt; a drop of blood still shows from my needle prick. Your wedding day in lace and satin, in a dress once worn by me. I loaned your newborn baby my christening gown, a hint of lavender still preserved. Do you know our cause, the battles we won and the battles we lost? When our soldiers marched home did you shout hooray! Or shed a tear for the fallen sons. What of the fields we plowed, the cotton, the tobacco and the okra, too. There was always room at my table for one more, Fried chicken, apple pie, biscuits and sweet ice tea. A time or two you may have heard our stories politely told. Some of us are famous, recorded on the pages of history. Still, most of us left this world without glory or acknowledgment. We were the first to walk the streets you now call home, Perhaps you have visited my grave and flowers left, but did you hear me cry out to you? Listen, my child, to the voices of your ancestors. Take pride in our accomplishments; find your strength in our suffering. For WE are not just voices in the wind, WE are a living part of YOU!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem calls for recognition of African‑American ancestors’ contributions, urging listeners to honor their struggles and inherit their strength.
In simple terms: Remember and honor ancestors.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge past sacrifices.
Themes
heritage
memory
justice
Mood
reverent
somber
Type
poetic
motivational
When to use this quote
- Family gatherings
- educational curricula
- memorial events
- community storytelling
Key Concepts
Cultural identity
historical trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we translate ancestral lessons into present action?
- What responsibilities do we bear toward forgotten histories?
A Different Perspective
Risk of romanticizing hardship.