Watch a Young Kanye West Recite His Inspirational Poem to MLK

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Kanye West always had a talent for performing, even when he was a middle schooler.

On Tuesday, Kanye's wife Kim Kardashian took to Twitter to share this inspiring video showing a young Kanye reciting a poem dedicated to civil rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr.

The brief clip, which was first posted in January 2012, is from 1990 when Kanye was a student at John H. Vanderpoel Elementary, a performing arts school in Chicago, Ill.


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The future rap superstar's poem, titled "His Name Means Love," speaks of King's dream of equality, and his impact on future generations.

"A man who fought for freedom, a man who fought for equality, those who were against him were too blind to see," Kanye recites from behind the podium. "What this man was fighting for: So Blacks, Hispanics, Jews and Asians could put their foot in the door. Yes, we know that this man is great. That's why today we celebrate, if everyone lifts their voice and sings, for a man who wanted freedom to ring. Martin Luther King is who I'm speaking of. A man whose name means love."


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Even as a young child, Kanye was already showing that he had the gravitas, talent and dominating charisma that would eventually lead to him becoming one of the biggest stars in music.

Recently, the cast of Selma honored Martin Luther King, Jr. with an emotional march in Selma, Ala. Check out the video below for a look at the inspirational celebration.

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