the echoes of her big voice were stilled
and the mourners found her
singing out from their sisters mouths
from their mothers toughness
from the funky dust in the corners
of sunday church pews
sweet and dry and simple
and that hated sunday morning fussed over feeling
the songs
singing out from their mothers toughness
would never threaten the lord's retribution
any more.
Now she was safe
acceptable
that big Mahalia
Chicago turned all out
to show her that they cared
but her eyes were closed
And although Mahalia loved our music
Mahalia Jackson was a internationally acclaimed gospel singer and civil rights activist. She was subject to multiple instances of racial prejudice and death threats, especially in her home in the city of Chicago. Upon her death, many people came to honor her memory and sing her praises. Some attended namely because she was no longer a dangerous and active threat to others, specifically to the people who opposed the Civil Rights Movement. 

The Day They Eulogized Mahalia