I need a poem (preferrably African American) to which I can perform a lyrical dance for a college pageant?

Question

I am going to be competing in a pageant at my university this year. I am vying for the position of my university's queen. Part of the pageant is a talent portion, and I would like to perform a poem and lyrical dance, if possible. Can anyone recommend an African American poem (preferrably) that would be great with a lyrical dance? Thanks.

Answer 1

Woman Work by Maya Angelou

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/woman-wor... (I can totally see this poem being performed)

Phenomenal Woman

http://www.poetseers.org/contemporary_po...

Answer 2

I recommend the poetry of Langston Hughes. You can actually hear some of it read on an album on Naxos called "Dreamer".

"Black Pierrot" is one of my favorites, but they are all excellent poems.