Jackson Free Press

Boneqweesha Jones: "Welcome to Hair-Did University's School of Cosmetology fall semester orientation! I want to have an 'off the-cuff' chat with you.

"Some of you may see me as an 'old fuddy-duddy' boring you about stuff that happened before you were born. Nevertheless, I am obligated to those individuals who paved the way for me. My duty is to plant in your young, fertile minds seeds of information to help you shape your future.

"You can yawn if you want and say, 'WHATEVER.' Either you will hear me now, or deal with more oppression later. I want you to research and remember Aug. 28, 1963, the March on Washington, a day when poor folks came together to 'cash a check for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'

Before this event happened, some very mean people used vicious biting dogs, stinging gusts of water and beatings to discourage an already oppressed people. Back then, young people—now your grandparents—sacrificed their lives so that you could live your life a little better. And I say a little better, not much.

"If Martin Luther King were living, you might call him an 'ol' fuddy-duddy.' I see him as one who helped me realize my dream to be a leader, on-the-scene reporter and president of my own school of cosmetology. Therefore, I encourage you—as future entrepreneurs—to say with me: 'Hair weave at last! Hair weave at last! Thank God Almighty, we can do hair weaves at last."

Previous Comments

ID

73412

Comment

Funny, funny. And an inspiring story of our great past that can't be told too many times, to boot. Telling this generation unfortunately is the only way many of them will learn the story. Too many hates reading, and won't avoid the past because they don't even know it. Those words, "Free at last" are so touching to some of us that it's riskful or risky to use them in any forms or fashions other than how Dr. King did. I do note that you didn't use them at all though. It's kind of like singing a Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder or Luther Vandross song. Do it right and well, or risk getting whupped. You're still the bomb.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-08-24T12:25:27-06:00

ID

73413

Comment

Those words, "Free at last" are so touching to some of us that it's riskful or risky to use them in any forms or fashions other than how Dr. King did. Ray, your point is well taken. I believe that the phrase "Weave at last" is used in relationship to "Free at last." Were it not for Dr. King and many others, folk like Boneqweesha would not be who she is today, young, proud, gifted and African-American. In one of his speeches Dr. King encouraged African-American youth to be great achievers in life by saying-and I paraphrase: Whatever you do in life, do your best. If you are a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michaelangelo painted pictures. I never intended to downplay "Free at last;" I was hoping to revive the significance of the "Free at last" by using it in a humorous context. I think, if anything, "Weave at last" is a humorous yet serious tribute to Dr. King and those who struggled with him. Thank you so much for reading my work and letting me know what you think. Peace, love and universal understanding

Author

Stiggers

Date

2006-08-25T13:06:19-06:00