I Am An African Child : Poem Written By Eku McGred
EKU MCGRED – In this topic, we will now read Am An African Childa famous poem by Eku McGred and know the author’s background.
First things first, let us know the background of the author.
Background
Eku McGred, also known as George During, is a gifted musician, poet and songwriter who was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. McGred travelled to England to pursue a degree in Electronics Technology, which he eventually graduated and owned an MSC in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University.
McGred’s wrote his first book entitled ‘Worship Through The Storm’. His poem “I am an African Child” spread across Philippines and USA and recited by children as a learning tool.
Here is the full poem:
I am an African child
Born with a skin the colour of chocolate
Bright, brilliant and articulate
Strong and bold; I’m gifted
Talented enough to be the best
I am an African child
Often the target of pity
My future is not confined to charity
Give me the gift of a lifetime;
Give me a dream, a door of opportunity;
I will thrive
I am an African child
Do not hide my fault show me my wrong
I am like any other;
Teach me to dream
And I will become
I am an African child
I am the son, daughter of the soil
Rich in texture and content
Full of potential for a better tomorrow
Teach me discipline, teach me character, teach me hard work
Teach me to think like the star within me
I am an African child
I can be extra-ordinary
call me William Kamkwamba the Inventor;
Give me a library with books
Give me a scrap yard and discarded electronics
Give me a broken bicycle;
Plus the freedom to be me
And I will build you a wind mill
I am an African child
We are the new generation
Not afraid to be us
Uniquely gifted, black and talented
Shining like the stars we are
We are the children of Africa
Making the best of us
Yes! I am an African Child
READ ALSO: POETRY – Meaning And Kinds | Forms Of Literature