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Leading the way
many times
opening the gates
to innovation, justice.
Our cases have shaken
the landscape
moved this state, country
to new concepts
in power, equality
in housing, farmworker rights,
benefits, for families
for those without resources
among us.
Our arms have pushed
open doors
and then we have gone on
to the next case
for there are always more
with desperate need
of our attention.
Our cities, in shambles
our countryside
with farmworkers
and rural poor
are the boiling pots of injustice
that bring standing, need
that calls out
to work for right, innovation
for each one, who touches
our lives.
In this workshop
of our own choosing
halls of teeming files
simple offices
the pressure steams
and cracks
pushes us to our
own chaos
born of ideals, pressured
by lack of access to power
and fueled by the
tragic humanness
of it all.
With ideals under
pressure, and pain
we at times, turn |
upon ourselves
but still move on,
at times wounded
at times celebrating.
We now stand upon
a new mountaintop
in this long journey
the vistas, breezes
cool, exhilarating
Our cases, advocacy
have made a difference
have changed the way
have established rights
that could only be dreamed of
before.
And yet, none of us
are content,
the forces of injustice
push forward every day
making our path
seem like a journey against an
immovable wall
We must stand up
take in the sweeping views
and celebrate
our arduous climb.
Our history has been proud
Even in moments, (yes, even
years)
When it seemed like we would
be dragged down
By problems within
The work went on
New justice was achieved
Despite it all, we endured
And often excelled.
Now, We put to rest
a name
But not our
struggle
We change and grow stronger
But the mountain paths to justice
remain difficult and trying |
Our hands
remained joined
With our diversity
And strength
We shall overcome
New challenges
We shall overcome
The injustice of tomorrow
We shall overcome
Barriers thrown in the
way of our
effectiveness
We shall overcome
And move on to the next
client, the
next systemic barrier
Which stands in the way
to justice
From the soaring Supreme Court
language of State v. Shack
Which held that
laws of property
Cannot overcome human dignity and freedom
From our predecessors
who endured arrest, near death at the hands of an angry crewleader’s knife
From the massive change
In the lives of tenants
Wrought by our trail-blazing decisions
Marini v. Ireland and forward
We gather strength
We remember
And dedicate ourselves to continue
We shall overcome
Si, se puede
We are able, strong
We have history,
attitude
Diversity, strength
We come ready
For the next fight,
la lucha
For justice |
