Black
History Month has always been a favorite time for me since the second
grade when I read Great Negroes Past and Present and Great Negro
Scientist. I learned that I was derived from a race of people have
overcome insurmountable obstacles to become distinguished throughout
world history.
To
kick off the remembrance of the great African American achievements, I
have to note one that will never become part of recorded history. It is
one that will always be emblazoned on my heart and the collective heart
of the Haynes-Glover-Jones-Woodley family. It is my personal black
history connection in the life of Mrs. Virgie Lee Jones. Let me provide a
disclaimer. She was not a civil rights leader, scientist, orator, or
entrepreneur. She was a widowed single mother at the age of 38 with
twelve children. One of the eldest of twenty-one children who never
completed high school. She was not independently wealthy and never lived
in a mansion. She was my grandmother.
In
all that she seemingly lacked from an educational and material
standpoint, she compensated in her faith, character and personal
strength. Her vibrant prayer life and vigilant determination inspired me
to levels not achieved in our immediate family. On this February 12 she
would have been ninety years old.
This song by jazz artist Gregory Porter exemplifies her example:
When
people ask me what has driven me to be a trailblazer in higher
education and urban innovator, I say Virgie Lee Jones. A woman who was
spiritually rich and overflowing in her love and acceptance of me, the
eldest of her forty-one grandchildren. When reflecting on African
American History remember those people whose impact may never be a part
of recorded history. The one who daily provide the prayer, support and
love for the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and catalyst.
They are just as important to their well noted peers because they are
the glue that secures African American families together.
Grandmomma,
I salute you as a trailblazer and leader in your own right. I would
never be here with out the love, instruction and nurturing you provided
me. It was that start that propelled m toward my purpose. Thank you God
for sharing her with me and our family. In a world or mediocre and
ordinary mothers and people, you were a star and the foundation of our
family. Thank you for your faithfulness!
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