Just over a month ago, our nation laid to rest a profound singer and icon: Aretha Franklin. Like many, I grew up listening to her songs and dancing to the music. What impressed me the most about her was the charitable acts of service she did behind the scenes. I listened intently to her funeral service, as many shared how Ms. Franklin aided justice by using the gifts she had, to make sure the Civil Rights Movement could continue.
Performing concerts and donating the proceeds for social justice leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Reverend Jessie Jackson, and Angela Davis, was just one of the ways she used her platform to help many to advance. Because of her determination to support her community, and dedication to civil rights, many can, March on. Aretha Franklin ran her race and has earned our R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I am grateful for the example she set of using ones gifts and talents, on the platform given, to help others to March on.
Me On the Page was recently honored to be selected by Black Parent Magazine, to participate in the Author’s Pavilion, at the Congressional Black Caucus’s 48th Convention in Washington D.C. As a new author I was humbled that the work of my hands would be considered and accepted.
However, When Catherine Togba Woyee, the leader of Black Parent Magazine shared that hurricane evacuation would prevent her from attending, I was very uncertain and considered not going as well. Who would I know? How would I be received without the person who invited me? She told me to March On. She said, “this is what we do: we help one another to succeed.” In helping each other, we help our people. Catherine told me to March on so the movement to provide positive images for our children could continue.
Here’s a short video about the event and more information about the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. *D.C. image courtesy of Google Images- Interface Engineering.
The mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. (CBCF) is to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. CBCF achieves this mission by:
- Facilitating the exchange of ideas and information to address critical issues affecting our communities.
- Providing leadership development and scholarship opportunities to educate the next generation of leaders.
- Promoting public health and financial empowerment for all communities through innovative programs.
- Developing strategic research and historical resources for the public, academics, educators, and students.
If you’re looking for an encouraging read along your March, Our children Can Soar by Michelle Cook is an excellent source.
