6.09.2011

Change gonna come - I have no excuse

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. ..................................... Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oh Martin, you say it soooo well.  What could I add except an amen or preach it my brother?
But, I do want to sound in today from a historical viewpoint - because I need a reminder of the truth of Dr. King's words and the price that was payed for him to be able to say those freely. 
I can't imagine being a free, beautiful black woman living in a village on the African coast.  Living the way my family had for generation after generation only to find one day that a boat of white men had captured me and plunged me into darkness slavery and hopelessness.

Fast forward to the 1920's.  Times have changed, slavery has been abolished.  Black men lead movements for equality, they speak out.  Because of them speaking out for their rights, white women begin to see their slavery end as well. They can now vote and are no longer a possession of their husband but they have their rights as well.  Black women are still fighting for their day of equality but theirs is the softest voice and the last to be heard. 

Fast forward to 2011.  We are all supposed to be equal now.  It's still a mess but it is getting better.  And the most amazing thing - women like Ernistine Shepherd who break free from the stereotypes and slavery of age, gender and race and they just bloody well do what they want to.  I am humbled, I am inspired and I am so proud of this woman I have never met.  Check her out!
I have no excuse! continuous struggle to bring the smallest of changes.  I have no excuse!
That's all - thanks ya'll!

3 comments:

  1. Love what you shared here. We all struggle, we all fall, but we must just get back up again and keep going.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love, love, love the momentum and encouragement in this post. I will check out that link

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, hi! I just stopped in to thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a kind comment.

    It is a hard time. And I love quotes from Martin Luther King. Love them. Thanks for that, too.

    Deb

    ReplyDelete

I want to know what you have to say....comments, constructive criticism, advice and/or anything else - except trash - I delete that stuff!

(If you want to leave a comment but are not a "blogger" just set up a FREE gmail account with google)