Color or the difference in color related to the race card seems ‘alive and well.’ This annoying engagement between races today and age is a testament to how far we need to go. The ongoing rhetoric that fogs the windows, and clouds the eyes, creates discomfort and mental anguish. The existence of body shackles, now being replaced with the bondage of the human mind, is no less encouraging because the stigma of racism still exists. However, I know that my opportunities have been met with fruitful rewards and that fruit didn’t necessarily come from the tree that bore the apple and cast out Adam and Eve. I had help, and I had favor from the other side of the aisle, and that gave me a continued measure of hope to persevere.
From dirt to a white shirt is a mainstay held within my legacy. I have risen, and my efforts have been more than sustainable. The gifts that I held inherently are those same gifts that I nurtured beyond my mastering the effort. I have learned that I am the only one who can keep me back, but I also learned that there are limitations to everything regarding life’s wishes or expectations.
Having a ‘piece of the pie’ is better than scrapping the crumbs off the floor. Having several slices of cake is better than tossing the mixing bowl to taste the ingredients that go into making that cake. Having something over nothing tells me that I have come a long way since my parents; however, I need to advance my efforts so that continued growth will prevail and once again becomes a matter of my living gainfully. Sure, we can all continue to complain, but in the end, a greater power than any of us will reign and end-all of what we know now to be disheartening.
