A
Brief “Her-Story” of the Lady who wrote:
Lord,
Why Did You Make Me Black?
© 1994
RuNett
Nia Ebo, born in Philadelphia, PA has been writing poetry
since age 10 (over 40 years).
While mourning the death of her best friend (her
great-grandfather) she discovered that writing had healing
qualities. She
started writing as therapy for herself and now uses her poetry
in her ministry to reach out to others.
She
has self-published 8 books of poetry.
Her most-recognized poem is “Lord, Why Did You Make
Me Black?” It
is so popular, it has been pirated and plagiarized under at
least 6 incorrect titles.
Many of the verses have been “adjusted” far away
from the original version, which God gave her at 3:00A.M. one
morning in February 1994.
Poet Nia was once introduced as “the most bootlegged
poet in the U. S.!”
Miss
Ebo has spoken at public and private schools, colleges,
universities, various community centers, churches and special
events. She has
done Poetic Presentations and Book Signings to help non-profit
organizations raise money for various worthy causes.
Currently,
she speaks to women’s groups in rehab centers and clients in
Welfare-to-Work programs and incarcerated inmates.
She adds a motivational touch to her poetry to help
them stay focused on their goals.
Since she is the mother of 5 sons, men’s groups have
called on her to lend an encouraging word to them too.
She firmly believes that God has added the gift of
exhortation to her ministry- “He who has ears, let him
hear.” Matthew
11:15 (King James Version)
At
present, she is involved in a mentoring program at Roosevelt
Middle School, helping students express themselves through
“spoken word” and sometimes learn some Black History in
rhyme.
Her
work covers a variety of subjects that relate to many people
in various stages of their lives.
She established a group called 3PM (Poetic
Phrases-Prophetic Ministry) so Christian poets could have a
venue free from profanity and x-rated material.
She also co-founded Nia’s Purpose, a trio that gives
you a double dose of poetry with Black History and African
Drumming combined.
AWARDS &
CERTIFICATES
Lafiya Family Services Certificate
of Appreciation Summer
1999, 2000
Spirit
Award Summer
2000
Mayor’s
Office of Community Service
Certificate
of Appreciation
April 2000
City
Council Citation
October 2000
Meritorious
Service
Commonwealth of PA
Mayor’s
Office Citation
Certificate
of Appreciation
(Community Service)
Senate
of PA Citation
Certificate
of Achievement
(Christian Service)
PHL
Council of Clergy
(Christian Service)
PHL
Council of Clergy
(Community Service)
SS Administration
Certificate of Appreciation
February 1999
National School & Community Corps
Certificate of National Service
September 1998
Certificate of Achievement
September 1998
Germantown High School Career Day
April 1998
Emlen School Career Day
May 1992
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