RESPECT FOR GIRLS
A song by Elizabeth and Paul Kaku,
sister and brother, written January 2021 in Sierra Leone
Eh eh eh Hmmm-mmm……….[Sing 3x]
VERSE 1
We are the pride and the future of the world
We stand tall, and won’t allow no more pain
We are girls of pride and dignity
We know our rights and therefore we will stand firm……..
CHORUS
We are tired of the pain
Tired of the shame
Tired of humiliation
We are tired of the suffering
Tired of harassment
Tired of all the troubles
Respect …………girls ……….[2x]
For the future of tomorrow lies in our hands
Please respect us ……..[2x]
VERSE 2
Girls are the future leaders of tomorrow
Without them the world will be empty
So please let’s stand against sexual harassment
So please let’s stand against early marriage
So please let’s stand against child trafficking … [2x]
REPEAT CHORUS
GIRLS GOT TO BE AS ONE
A song by Jessica Adima Choloply Wilson, written January 2021 in Sierra Leone
We as girls we got to be as one.
One heart, one love.
We as girls we got to be as one.
One heart, one love.
We will never look back, we will never look aside.
Ay, yi, yi, yea, yea.
We as girls, we are stronger than ever,
We as girls, we are stronger together.
One heart, one love.
We will never look back, we will never look aside.
Ay, yi, yi, yea, yea.
We got to be as one.
Songs to honor the work of inspiring women
MATILDA JOSLYN GAGE
A song by Sarah Pirtle
Matilda Joslyn Gage (1826-1898)
Women’s rights activist whose work focuses the Gage Ambassadors,
One of the three circles that started Respect For Girls.
https://sarahpirtle.com/hope-sings/matilda-joslyn-gage.htm
BALLAD OF JUANITA NELSON
A song by Sarah Pirtle
Juanita Nelson. (1923-2015)
At sixteen in the 1930’s Juanita refused to move to the back of the bus
on a segregated train and as a Howard student participated in some of the first sit-ins.
https://sarahpirtle.com/hope-sings/the-balland-of-juanita-nelson.htm
Lyrics: Whatever age I be
I will follow what’s true for me.
Oh, the world can’t change me.
The truth inside has claimed me.
I must do what I feel is true.
ELANDRIA
A song by Sarah Pirtle
Elandria Williams. (1979-2020)
Social justice leader who said “show up and love relentlessly.”
https://sarahpirtle.com/hope-sings/elandria.htm
Song to honor the truth telling by women that transforms violence.
HOLDING THE LIGHT
A song by Sarah Pirtle
https://sarahpirtle.com/hope-sings/holding-the-light.htm
Dedicated to Sister Dianna Ortiz. (1958-2021)
In 1998 she founded TASSC — Torture Abolition Survivors Support Coalition.
Lyrics: We hold the light with a million and five.
Becoming that truth force that will always survive.
THE ERA OF EQUALITY
a poem by Thomas Richmond Kamara
Upon the arrival of birth
Came in the creation of ribs
Every mannish was made in bath
We had no wizard, no witch
It was given with love aftermath
Our bones were pillars like a swimming fish
Sweet we taste in our mouths
And sweet we taste in the mouth of this
They are what we are
Successful souls of the sun and moon
Made the bricks of muscles here and there
Patient breast giving milks in full
Responsibility grows in homes without fear
Strong hearts even in pains they act cool
Our dears are love and care
They are like liabilities and strong tools
Their eyes are always dry
Dry in pain and tears like Abel
They have become drums and unsatisfactory
Assaults of all kinds are rang like bell
When their compliments are uncomplimentary
Opportune souls are marginalized well
Young bundles are used in harsh disciplinary
No voice as they are hidden as squirrel
With their cries and hopes
Love and missed coats are left to cold
Let bodies of foreign and national put folds
Bringing all act of laws to oath
Let the words of John Locke bring hold
Actions of discrimination need notes
What are you to decide the fate of one?
Made out of image and be warm