It is the beginning new month, I didn’t get a chance to participate in too many of the activities regarding Black History month, but better late than never. There are plenty of major figures who have influenced and made it possible for other African Americans to advance and succeed in the future. However, there are a few unsung leaders in my book that have shown me how to be a better me. Here is my dedication:
My parents
My mother and father have been two of the most influential figures in my life. Both came from different worlds to create a whole new one for myself. My dad, a soldier, started from his home country Jamaica and immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 to start a new world for himself. My mother, a Virginian, took a chance to find new opportunities on her own,became a soldier as well and somehow in the midst of it all, my mom and dad met overseas.
Love story aside, my parents have always taught me to go against the grain, and never let adversity stop me from what I want to do. Time and time again, my mom and dad have told me a few stories of their being as children living through the Civil Rights Movement and they have gone through some stuff! Even as adults, they went through hardship. Nevertheless, they experienced these events and became successful as well to make sure that I would not have to deal with stimgas of the past. As a child, my mom and dad bought me books filled with biographies of influential men and women of color like African queens and kings of B.C. to modern greats like Marcus Garvey(my dad’s favorite), Ida B. Wells, Ben Carson, and Sojourner Truth; they made it a point to show me that I could be whatever I desired . I could be like any one of those people in those books. It makes me feel awesome to know that they believe I could be the next female Colin Powell or some defining force in the world to be reckoned with, color aside. They never let me forget it. Furthermore, they have shown me patience, kindness, and to not only be colorblind, but to realize every person has their worth, no matter they package they come in.
What a rad pair that has been so influential to my life, my siblings, and many others. (Love you mom and dad).
March 1st, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Janessa, this is such a sweet dedication to your parents. I can definetely say that they succeeded in teaching you to see people for who they are on the inside. The lessons that they taught you as a child wil always remain with you and are a huge factor of the person that you are now and will be in the future. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if you become “one of those people in those books.”