Shanelle Walker is the former student body President at Kentucky State University. She wrote this amazing poem to encourage African American youth to get out and vote for President Barack Obama. Not only is she a political activist, she is a writer, leader and emerging media personality. Is she one of the dopest young black poets in America? You be the judge! Rather than reading the poem, I recommend that you watch her perform it. The performance is on the video link below.

Opportunity

by Shanelle Walker

An opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime...

Barack Obama only comes Once in Our lifetime...

I'm not waiting on a next time, so I'll make this moment my prime...

That's why November 4, when it's time to vote I'll be the first on front line.....

Like soldiers in Iraq, and I'll die for change, so I don't need an entourage to have my back

I got the opportunity to go to the voting polls, and put my soul, into this is election...

To make sure Kings Dream is fulfilled while he's resting

The Klu Klux Klan used their opportunity to burn down a Church which killed 4 little girls

So now we got the opportunity to put two black girls in the white house

Let them pick their rooms out, for the mothers and daughters of the Civil Rights

Movement who picked their husband caskets out

We aint anticipation, reparation, or a break on education

Jus a Change, a few more jobs, lower gas prices, AID Awareness

And maybe a lil Fairness

So Imma take the opportunity and run with it,

Cuz my heart desire a change like a played out rapper want a hit

Like most people will do anything for money I'll do anything for this

I got the opportunity to go to the voting polls,

And put my soul into a CHANGE, or I can sit back not vote, and complain But,

I already know McCain will be a bigger Pain

An opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime Barack Obama only comes

Once in Our lifetime I'm not waiting on a next time, so I'll make this moment my prime...

That's why November 4, when it's time to vote I'll be on the front line.....

Like soldiers in Iraq You got the same opportunity as me

What you going to do with that

Shanelle Walker

Click below to watch Shanelle perform the poem

Dr Boyce Watkins