Etowah River 1864 11x14 Wall Print

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

I've known rivers:

I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
     
     flow of human blood in human veins.
 
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
 
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
     
    went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
     
    bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Langston Hughes

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For African descendants of slavery, our history and culture in the New World 
began on plantations. Most plantations were located near waterways because it 
made transporting goods to market easier. Living and working near rivers, creeks, and coastlines also provided enslaved folks opportunities to continue to practice skills and interests and dreams related to waterways.
 

.: One size: 11x14
.: Ready to frame
.: Matte not included