What is the meaning of this poem?

[chubs]

Dreams by Nikki Giovanni : The Poetry Foundation

[Lickety_Split]

The poem is written by a black man who has come to learn that he doesn't have to adhere to, or be limited by the stereotype the white man had of the Negros at that time. When the writer talked about "grindin' up against the mic" he was referring to an uneducated black blues musician singing & entertaining ("ohh baby") with standard and limited and common lyrics. This was the stereotype much of society held for Blacks at one time: they were good for entertainment and singing Blues which began on old work farms by the slaves.
But now the writer knows he can be anything he wants and hope and dream like anyone else can!

[MissNM]

I think it's a black woman. "Grindin' up against the mic" is more sexual in nature and not really a guy thing.

[SuperSoul]

I like that poem, Chubs.

I'd say it's the story of all of us to an extent.
As children, we start out full of dreams & imagination, but then many "no's" stifle it.

I wonder if whoever wrote the poem may have been inspired by Martin Luther King's dream - that they didn't have to make a huge fuss - they couldn't fight hate with hate - but to stand strong in love... to be as they wrote, "a sweet inspiration."