[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] The Power Of One

[Maggie Stringer]

Reposting.



Recently, I have been researching and reading through hundreds of historic
speeches and legendary quotes from civil rights icons including Martin
Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, and W.E.B. Du Bois. These powerful
leaders along with other inspiring modern figures inspired me to create a
montage of their insightful words, historic speeches, and powerful writing,
as one.

I had been asked to share, “The Power of One”, with my federation family.
My hope is that all of our members will recognize Black History Month as an
opportunity to understand Black histories and will take the time to
celebrate Black achievement.  I believe it is essential to have a fresh
reminder of where systemic racism persists and give visibility to the
people and organizations creating change.



Without further ado.



The Power of One

“I had no idea that history was being made.  I was just tired of giving up.”

We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our
basic human right. The thing about black history is that the truth is so
much more complex than anything you could make up. There are still many
causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made. Black History
Month must be more than just a month of remembrance; it should be a tribute
to our history and reminder of the work that lies in the months and years
ahead. Won’t it be wonderful when black history and Native American history
and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just
U.S. history.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached
in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

We have a wonderful history behind us…and it is going to inspire us to
greater achievements. A man without knowledge of himself and his heritage
is like a tree without roots. If you know whence you came, there is really
no limit to where you can go.

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that
cannot fly.”

Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one
another’s uniqueness. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be
human together. In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay
ourselves the highest tribute. If there is a book that you want to read,
but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it. One of the
hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can’t utter.
Make a difference about something other than yourselves. Whatever we
believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a
way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations. Life has two
rules: number 1, never quit! Number 2, always remember rule number one.
Whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when
you’re free . . . your true self comes out. Just don’t give up what you’re
trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go
wrong. I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t
accept not trying. Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you
know better, do better.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the
struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the
struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in
every generation must do our part.

“Have a vision. Be demanding.”



**Every 28 line has been written or spoken by:

Dr. Mae Jemison.

Thurgood Marshall.

Colin Powell.

Susan L. Taylor.

Desmond Tutu.

Langston Hughes.

Frederick Douglass.

Booker T. Washington.

Ella Fitzgerald.

Nelson Mandela.

John R. Lewis.

Maya Angelou.

Ola Joseph.

Aretha Franklin.

Michael Jordan.

James Earl Jones.

Rosa Parks.

Toni Morrison.

Henry Louis.

Marty Meehan.

Tina Turner.

Michelle Obama.

Duke Ellington.

Dick Gregory.

James Baldwin.

Marcus Garvey.

Carter G. Woodson.

Alice Walker.**



Maggie Stringer
Phone: (443) 750-0070
Email: ravensfan784 at gmail.com
Community Service Facebook Page
<https://www.facebook.com/CommunityServiceDivision/>
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
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