The African-American Revolution

Gilbert “Gil” Scott Heron was an African-American poet and musician renowned for his spoken word on political and social issues in the United States. One of Heron’s most famous works was The Revolution will not be televised published in 1970 with his band group “Black & Blues”. The poem was not initially considered poetry instead it was considered a song, until its spoken word by Heron. During the 1970’s, President Nixon, a biased and unreasonable leader, had control of America. Many bills were passed preventing the prosperity of the African-American community or the less fortunate. The revolution will not be televised exposed the social and political concerns in society.
In the introduction of the poem, “You will not be able to stay home, brother, You will not be able to plug in, turn on and drop out, You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip, Skip out for beer during commercials, Because the revolution will not be televised.” (Heron, 1) expresses the reality of the revolution. The revolution is a symbol of the confrontation of the societal issues in the African-American communities. Heron repetitively uses “The Revolution will not be televised” throughout his poem to emphasize the veracity of America. Heron continuously gives examples and allusions to the reality of the African-American
President Nixon was the head of state, and enforced laws that were targeting African Americans. Many African Americans were being sent to the penitentiary for petty crimes which caused the African-American community to weaken. The Revolution will not be televised shined light on the situation. Many African Americans were able to relate with the poem and understand the message from Heron. Herons message intended to vivify the African Americans on the hidden truths of the United States. The war for equality has not ended, it is only