Ode to Ethiopia

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Ode to Ethiopia is an 1896 poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

[edit] Summary

Dunbar presents ideas of Ethiopia as a mother, shows a pride in the African-American people, encourages hope as well as racial pride. It emphasizes a belief in a brighter future.

[edit] Afro American Symphony

Part of this poem was used as Prologue to Movement 4 of the Afro-American Symphony.

  Be proud, my race, in mind and soul;
  Thy name is writ on Glory's scroll
  In characters of fire.
  High 'mid the clouds of Fame's bright sky
  Thy banner's blazoned folds now fly,
  And truth shall lift them higher.