Jackson Free Press

Just like the stubborn dedication of Harriette Tubman; the proud insistence of Rosa Parks; the support and strong family values of Betty Shabazz, Corretta Scott King and Merlie Evers; the blinding courage of Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt; the spiritual acceptance of Mother Theresa; the unwavering commitment of Mary McCloud Bethune; the uncompromising commitment of Fannie Lou Hammer; the intelligent passion of Sojourner Truth; the creative beauty of Gwendolyn Brooks; the willingness to accept progression of our mothers and grandmothers before us - women are finally standing at attention and recognizing our ability to contribute to this world, this nation, this state and this city. Our female ancestors have planted an everlasting pattern to direct our journey. We need only accept and commit to its power. It's up to us to resurrect these strengths and revitalize our place in the natural order of life.

We have allowed our involvement with each other to become estranged. We have allowed our lives to become separated from each other. We have forgotten where our strength lies. Our strength is in each other. Our strength, ladies, is in togetherness. This war on crime and lack of education that faces our children must be challenged and we are here to do just that. This battle of sexism we face right here in Jackson, must be addressed. The wall between acceptance and activism must come down. We must become just as willing to act as our fore parents. We must learn to support and encourage each other. We must urge success and determination in each other. We must assist new mothers who have no idea how to raise children. We must begin to advise and suggest ways of improvement to our sisters who have fallen on hard times and can't figure out which way is up. We must mentor our young in the lessons of life. We must accept our call to action for our city, our state, and most of all our future.

Unfortunately, we have accepted a pattern in our lives these days that will push us to our demise if it's not destroyed, immediately. We have taken on the attitude that what one person does with his or her children or in their community doesn't affect us, and it's our business. This attitude will present a constant division in our existence if allowed to continue to cloud our minds, our hearts and our judgment. When I was younger I remember being told that it takes an entire village to raise one child. If that's true then we are simply failing our children and ourselves. Parents must become willing to accept the help of the village. We can't separate our families from our neighbors and expect to overcome problems our children face. We must learn to accept criticism from others and trust that we are a family and only want the best for all our children. We must lead and guide our children. We must make sure they dream big, become educated, take their time, plan and prepare for the future. They must take time to learn who they are and develop their thoughts, opinions, and ideals. It all starts with us – the mothers, the women. Our tender touch and embracing hearts must begin to lead our decisions.

There is no doubt that big things are happening in Jackson, MS. There are many groups out here who are doing there part to preserve our history and to make a way for the future. It's time that the women who are working tirelessly in these endeavors are recognized. Not only is there a great woman beside every great man, but sitting in every executive conference room, every court room, every law firm, all the way to the dinner table, there is a woman there- orchestrating ideas and planning improvements; maneuvering and organizing events; captivating changes; making a way out of no way; writing history; ultimately, molding and improving lives. We shall align ourselves with our great female ancestors and allow their passion to resonate in us. We shall, like our fore-mothers guide those who inspire a new day. Just as their strength and frustration lead to freedom, the right to vote, safe houses, educational institutions, organizations to support our communities, even straightening our hair, we are taking back our right to determine our fates and contribute to our community. We are proud of ourselves and the job we've done, but there is still more to do.

Sisters are doing it for themselves and now it's time to put our work on blast! We are not rallying against the strides of men. We want to be a part of the changes we see. We desire to add flavor that can only come from a woman. This movement will not proceed without us. Our children can not be saved from lives of crime and lack of education without us. Our families can not be restored and nurtured properly without us. Our government can not run smoothly without us. Our city and our state can not overcome it's troubled past without a woman's touch. This is a call for all women who recognize that this charge was inevitable. This is a call for all women who are determined to shape this community and this nation. This is a call for every woman who is tired of accepting that which she knows is not conducive to change and improvement and is ready to work for that which is.

It is time that we accept our charge. It's time to recognize our duty. It's now time to rededicate ourselves as women, as mothers, as professionals, as politicians, and as volunteers to sisterhood. It is time that we dig from the well of our ancestors and pull from that strength and courage that paved the road for us today. It's time for us to shape the next generation of leaders. It is time for us to stand proud and announce that we are here for each other and for our community. From this very moment, we are sisters dedicated to increasing positive progression and we are steadfast in our devotion to this challenge. The time is now for us to accept this charge and offer our light to the star that burns to bring freedom and change. We are Sisters! We claim the victory – together!