O.M. Skinner, "From Afric's Sunny Shore" (1921)
From Ethiopia's world
Where life is full of bounty
And lands rolled down with gold
From many a silent river
From many a sun-kissed plain
They call us to deliver
Their land from error's chain
All other prospect pleases
And man alone is vile
In hope we raise our voices
To Thee the God above--
O show us some devices
With which to show our love.
We shall not rest in silence
We shall not hold our peace
Until the accursed violence
Upon they people cease.
O give us faith to conquer
O give us strength to fight
Until shall cease our languor
That men shall see the light.
And then shall waft the story
O'er mountain, hill and plain,
To God belongs the glory
Christ has not died in vain.
For Afric's trodden nation
Shall know the God of might
Shall seek His free salvation
And battle for the right.
Prof. O.M. Skinner
625 Lenox Avenue, New York
Published in Negro World, February 26, 1921