The movement for “black lives-matter” means very little to me. I say this with great sadness. As an African American Woman, born in Chicago, Illinois, a teenage mom, high school dropout and a statistic for the welfare system and failure in the eyes of those who only read these first few lines. Today – I am a College graduate from one of the most prestigious women’s colleges in Columbia South Carolina. A graduate with a Bachelorette degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications and 4.0 GPA with a Minor- in Political Science. Since my graduation in May, 2014, my goal was to go on and pursue an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. I will soon be going into my third semester at a private academic institution; in the hopes to graduate and receive my Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. So, how does my “black life” read to you now? Which bring me to these two questions for myself; Do I matter and why?
The answer to the first question, do I matter? My answer is hell yes I matter. I not only matter in the eyes of my mother, her mother and our great, great ancestors, I matter in the eyes of my beautifully and uniquely created talented, hardworking and God fearing daughters. You see. I realize that I come from strength! I use to fight that mantra. Today, I am thankful for that strength, that fortitude that is embedded deeply in my DNA. As I look back over my life, I realize, those who suffer the most will receive a higher reward that no man can take. Education is the key to every success! I am the first in my immediate family to receive a Bachelorette degree and many ways, a small feat which says to me, we still have a – way’s to go. But, such a great feat for me. A teenage mother with no real prospects in attaining a good job and a piece of the “American Pie.” Just like so many millions of black, African American, Negro and colored people. And by the way, no matter how often [you] change our status on [our] birth certificates, [they] can never change who we are as a powerful people. Instead, the law is set to keep us bound, and having to work twice as hard as our white counterparts. I don’t know if this is a white thing or just a Whiteman’s thing. All I know, I am not advocating or perpetuating racism. I am simply pointing out the fact that, I matter. My fellow sisters and brothers, we matter! And through education along with fortitude, strength and desire to grow in love, in knowledge and willingness to go further in the corporate world, both public and private sectors, rather it being the food chain, retail, industrial, technological or the healthcare system; together, we can all exist in a place where everyone life counts. As for the movement, “Black lives matter.” I am an advocate for this movement. I am also an advocate for mothers against drunk drivers, gun control, PETA, and every notion that put the ‘under-dog’ in a better position for truth, freedom and the American Way. My second question, why?
As a mother, a daughter, sister, student and a friend, I would just add another accolade to my repertoire. I am someone’s wife. Personally, I prefer, “A child of the most high!” this accolade above all, encapsulates the entire body, spirit and soul for all that is right in the world. We all have a purpose on this earth, and not all of us will become a Daniel Hale Williams, George Washington Carver, Mae Jamison, Michael Jordan, or Leontine Price but we can come pretty damn close. My goal- to go into the ever confusing, ever changing area of healthcare reform and make a substantial difference in a small way. I don’t ask for much however, in accordance to the New Living Translation – Luke 12:48, “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” I take my place in this Universe, as a woman, an African American Woman, who believe, Black Lives Matter. Just look at all “We” have contributed to this great country, and to the world. When I look back on my life, it was ‘He’ who saved me and in-turn entrusted me, to take care of two beautiful little girls, who now, has a family of their own. I’m truly grateful for their greatness. “Black lives matter is more than movement, this is real life! Now, it’s my turn, to take my place, this is why – Black lives matter.
One more thought, I am truly grateful and equally blessed for my great grandparents whom each had a journey that took them from their original home. My grandfather, who found his way to America traveling thousands of miles from a little town in Mexico. A medium build of a man with an olive colored complexion. Striking to look at, even in the winter of his life. I loved him so much. The other great love in my life – A very loving, attentive and strong willed and equally beautiful great grandmother. She – herself, a striking woman with grey eyes. Their beautiful lives would cross and many years and generations later; my brothers, sister and I would be born. I think of their lives and limited education. But, the love they shared was immeasurable. I think to myself, thank God for these people and thank God for my life. I say to them, I did it, I got my degree. Without a test, there is no testimony… Black and Brown lives matter!
Amen,
havannamoonoutsourced 