Monday Musing

""If you can control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his action. When you determine what a man shall think you do not have to concern yourself about what he will do. If you make a man feel he is inferior, you do have to compel him to accept an inferior status, for he will seek it himself.

If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you don't have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told; and if there is not back door, his very nature will demand one."

Carter G. Woodson

Parents in the African American community have long stressed the importance of education, hard work, and integrity were key to success for their children. Parents made sacrifices so that their children would be able to have an opportunity for success. Families often told and retold stories of family members who succeeded in spite of obstacles.

I love hearing stories of families who made important decisions regarding schools. When public schools were unable to provide needed resources, a few parents made decisions to send their children to Catholic schools. Today, those decisions are reflected in the careers of those children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The fruit of those sacrifices are the children who are now principals, teachers, college professors, health care administrators, and most recently an attorney. 

What did those parents think? Their thoughts were far beyond their daily duties as country club cooks, janitors, and housekeepers. They had a vision of a better future for their children. They put their faith, prayers and action to work. 

Families in Mississippi produced a wonderful harvest of faithful servants to God and their communities. As a result of my marriage, I celebrate the legacy of Mississippi families who overcame tremendous odds.