crowded smiles rise to the occasion:
mouth watering stories generations of grace
marshall, texas unravels sweet aroma
moist pecan pie fresh cultivated
trailblazing hands of Bessie Hopkins with love
her sweetest gift and first love—-
Mack C. Hopkins—one of the first
African-American Valedictorians from Wiley College
memory sends crisp crumbs
twirling along the edge of swiveling lips
warm sunlight penetrates windowpanes
sheds light on the main course
one plump golden smoked turkey
topped with cornbread stuffing
crunchy green bean casserole
rich cranberry sauce
dessert deserving of a Poet—
pristine peach pie drizzled in cool whip cream
juicy cherry pie
a satisfying jolt
to Mack Hopkins, named for this father
joins The Tuskegee Airmen and
our gathered hearts
weds man and mission for the
famed 301st fighter squadron:
the 332nd fighter group
joins Pauline Hopkins’ hand in marriage
exceptional bliss
blesses heaven with Bessie Hopkins,
Mack C. Hopkins, and Pauline Hopkins
on November, 16, 1996 at the
age of 79
We celebrate the men and women
linking our lives to innovate spirit
We celebrate their sacrifices
swift determination psalm
We celebrate to preserve punctuate
press on
We celebrate collectively
the weight
for Bessie Hopkins, Mack C. Hopkins, Pauline Hopkins, & Mack Hopkins
By WITS Writer Delicia Daniels