Summary

The speaker of “The Hill We Climb” recalls the hardships endured by the African-American people, wondering where light can be found in the darkness. She believes that her people overcame many obstacles and created a nation which is not broken, but unfinished. She refers to her ancestors who were slaves, and reminds people that she has come a long way and can now have ambitious dreams. She pleads with the American people to put aside their differences and stand united. The speaker argues that Americans have a responsibility to fix what the recent past has tried to break, and bring about the democracy which was for a while postponed. She is convinced that people are ready for such a moment and will make the most of it. Americans will not be intimidated into inaction, and they will move forward with purpose. The speaker repeats her conviction that , they will achieve victory through harmony and unity. The poem ends with an optimistic outlook of the future, as the American people leave a better country to their successors. The speaker also answers her initial question, that light can always be found if one has the courage to look for it and become it. 

 ...