Friday, January 2, 2009

Happy New Year

Well, guys, we made it!! 2008 was a year of challenges, but we survived. Many of us faced physical tests, some experienced financial trials, for others, it was emotional distress...but the good news is that we're still here, and there is always something to be grateful for. Lots of wonderful things happened last year, sometimes we just have to look around and recognize them.

One thing that comes to mind is the awesome way that Americans came together to change politics in this country. It will never be the same! I wanted to acknowledge all of you - the X, Y, and Z'ers who made it happen. Some of you never had any interest in politics, but in 2008, you involved yourselves in the process. You were responsible for the outcome, and I couldn't be prouder.Some of you volunteered in phone banks, some knocked on doors, many donated to the campaign, or attended the rallies. Wow!

Those of us in my generation could only go "just so far", and though we have run well, we needed you to finish the race. Thank you from all the baby boomers and those who have preceeded us.

The following is a commentary which I wrote recently; I thought you might enjoy it.

I am one of probably millions of African-Americans who will be going to the nation's capital during the week of the presidential inauguration. We have no hope of actually witnessing the ceremony in person, and to a large degree, being present is not even necessary. We are perfectly content to just be there, to inhale the enthusiasm, to feel the excitement. We want to be a part of the atmosphere which is being created by the historical events that will culminate on January 20th, 2009.

My story, though similar to many, is perhaps different from most. I am one of five children (four daughters and one son) born to a neighborhood barber, Abner, and his stay-at-home wife, Zenovious.("Housewife" is what they called my mom in those days, even though she was hardly married to the house!) We were reared to respect authority, hold our heads upright, and to look into a person's eyes when saluting them. Whether in casual conversation or addressing an audience, we were never allowed to murmur or mutter (as kids tend to do), but required to speak clearly and distinctly.

What makes the trip to Washington so significant for me is this: In August of 1963, my father rode the Freedom Train to Washington D.C. to participate in the March on Washington. My elder sister had graduated from high school and was about to enter college that fall. Mom made sure his "blue serge suit" was picked up from the dry cleaners, packed Dad a lunch (probably the traditional fried chicken sandwiches and pound cake), and we all went to the train station to see him off. The train originated in Miami, adding passengers in cities along the way, who were people just like my father; Thousands of African- American citizens (called Negroes back then) were determined to make this country better for their offspring. I'm sure that those people who marched from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial never imagined that someone who looked like them would one day occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

And so, on Sunday, January 18, 2009, I will board a train which will likewise originate in Florida, will pick up passengers along the way, and terminate in Washington D.C. I'm certain that each passenger will have their own distinct reasons for taking off work, incurring an added expense even in a bad economy, and making any other sacrifice needed to make the trip. I will join my three sisters- forty-five years after our father walked the streets of the nations' capital and together we will tip our hats to our parents who never got to witness what the March on Washington was all about. Dr. King spoke to that crowd that included our father about a dream, and we'll be a part of the crowd that will see the dream come true.

No comments: