The First Tenacious Woman I Ever Met

     I met the first Tenacious woman (my Mother) on September 14, 1968 in Jackson, MS. Already mother and caregiver for 8 previous children, 3 females, 5 males, and my Father in tow. Raising all the neighbors' children, cousins, and a host of other responsibilities were only a few of the tasks she had. My Mother was a MOM to many. Home school as we know it started at our house years ago, and there was no  core curriculum to follow. A-B-C's and 1-2-3''s along with Sally, Dick and Jane were a few of the popular training aids.  Also ETV and  the ABC After School Rock would fill the gaps as additional educational tools. The birthing of nine kids was all I thought my Mom had to do, but I quickly learned that she was a Humanitarian, in the home, community, at church ,and abroad,. She provided meals, health care for family, elders and that's right, my Father too!. So many times we fail to truly recognize or acknowledge the responsibilities, obligations, as well as the level of accountability that is required. of women. Their ability and determination to overcome any obstacles that they face is truly a jaw dropper. To see black women operate in every capacity of life with daily academy award winning performances and excel in so many roles is impressive. The stories of sisters overcoming so many adversities are too countless to name.
     I'm sure we all can weigh in on our individual and personal experiences. I'm not only at awe to see the service rendered by the sisters, but also the humility maintained through it all, while they endure life and all of its' challenges. My heart goes out to the sisters, not in sympathy, but with an offer of respect that's so deserved. As a man of color, I thought that brothers were mostly affected by racial divides, impartiality where justice is concerned, and all of the other challenges. Though there is quite a bit of truth to be found in those issues that concern us, I would rather be in the place I'm in today, than face the trials of being a woman of color, striving to face life from a holistic approach. I envy a sisters' ability to maintain the endless and seemingly unbearable hardships that they face everyday. God truly made sisters fearfully and wonderfully designed! Selah.

Tenacious With No Applause-Tenacious Stats

     Statistics show that African American women lead their male counter parts in college enrollment. They also do this at a higher rate than any other group of women in America. By the year 2010 they made up 66% of all those completing Bachelor degrees, 71% of Masters degrees, and 65% of Doctorate degrees. Reference-Washington Post sixty years ago-Brown vs Board of Education, still separate and still unequal. Yet, African American women still excel in spite of all the challenges they face-past, present and future. I chose to applaud and recognize the African American woman because she deserves it, she has earned it and I believe that it is required.
      I would step out on a limb and say-"I am one of the brothers who get it!" Having had the opportunity to experience first hand a woman who was, and still is, in spirit, the model of a Tenacious woman-my Mother. Sacrifices were endless, humility unspeakable, the patience of Job, a heart of gold, a passion for people like no other, an awesome work ethic, and she never complained. My personal experience with my mother and all of the Tenacious women in my life  was the inspiration and motivation that brought this manuscript to life. And believe me when isay it was truly long overdue.
     This is only the beginning of a series of applauds, recognition, and dialogues to be had on the subject of the Tenacious Woman.

Tenacious with no Applause-Why I Wrote this Manuscript

Tenacious with no Applause-Preface

My Acknowledgements....
     To My mother who still remains in my heart and all the women who made the difference in my life.

Why I wrote this manuscript
     I wrote this manuscript because I loved to observe the uniqueness of the tenacious woman in motion, at work and at play. Her determination to excel at every level, her never give up or give in attitude, her ability to continue to strive and overcome all obstacles is so attractive. Every day I'm convinced more and more that women are some of the most intelligent human beings that GOD designed!