Black To Me

Black - a color that exudes dominance, security, protection, and authority; inner confidence with the power to succeed.?And while it is true that hues of red, blue, and yellow create a version of black, in truth black, the original stands alone.

As Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win Wimbledon’s Grand Slam in 1956; planted the seed of perseverance when many were downtrodden; standing in authority, challenging the challenge in victory and received the highest honor of tennis along with respect/acknowledgment from the Queen Elizabeth. Also, former slaves (Isiah Montgomery and his cousin Benjamin Green) who purchased 840 acres of swampland founding the city Mound Bayou, Mississippi (1887) in during the South’s reconstruction.?Their tenacity & vision created a self-reliant All Black Community, which later became a haven for many black people during the Jim Crow South era.?Their hard work paid off making Mound Bayou a prime cotton oasis bringing about consistent economic growth.

Another who inspiration was, Mansa Musa. Before there was a Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey there was Mansa Musa, who came to the throne in 1307 and during the 17th year of his reign (1324), he set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca. This was not an ordinary pilgrimage, but rather an awakening to many who discovered his stupendous wealth of Mali.?His caravan for this pilgrimage included over 72,000 men including a personal retinue persons, Persian silk, baggage trains of 80 camels, each carrying hundreds of pounds of gold.

Upon arriving in Cairo Mansa, Mūsā visited one of the greatest of the Mamlūk sultans, Al-Malik al-Nā?ir and with his great civility notwithstanding, he demonstrated great diplomacy and respect. So much so that 12 years after his initial visit, the city with a population estimated at one million, was yet singing the praises of Mansa Mūsā. During his travels he was known for his philanthropy and gave beggars huge ingots, (blocks of gold) overpaid at bazaars and tipped with fistfuls of gold dust. He also made formal charitable?donations of 20,000 ounces of gold (U.S. today value $36,039,282.82) each at Cairo, Mecca, and Medina.?He didn’t hoard his wealth unto himself; but rather reached back to assist others.

I am inspired by such individuals because they have proven that true success is not luck or having the right connections; but rather the foresight in firmness of purpose to moving forward; even when traveling alone. I’ve learned thru these/other examples, it matters not where you start, but where you finish. And your finish line should never be created or determined by another.

In conclusion:

I am who I am with the blackness of me

Moving in fierceness as the panther can see

My eye is fixed upon the mountain’s peak

To engage in the challenge, without defeat

I am who I am because of others before;

Paving the way and leaving open the door

In me lives the history of the future, past and now

In me is the legacy that will not bow…………………