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.