Monday, October 24, 2005

Rosa Parks, 1913 - 2005

Sitting at home. Writing. Phone rings. Detroit call. Late for a family member to call. An emergency? It's my sister.

Rosa Parks died. Turn on CNN, she says.
It's true. Why do we never believe when we first hear?

Start to wonder all the what ifs. What if Rosa Parks hadn't stayed seated?

Rosa Parks came to my kindergarten class, eons ago. Spoke to us four-and-five-year olders. We didn't know the significance as kids. But still... now I know.

The legends and leaders are leaving us. Those who blazed trails. Opened doors. Did the big and small acts to make a difference.

2 comments:

Ibarionex R. Perello said...

Sad news. A very sad day.

Joanne said...

You know, when I read that I thought the same thing. Our legends and leaders are leaving us, slowly. And, I can't help but wonder who the legends and leaders will be 20 years from now that when they pass we can't help but shed a tear or shake our heads in true sadness. Who will it be? Entertainers? Singers, rappers, actors? Where are our generation's true leaders, the ones who inspire us, instill pride and value and self-worth? There's gotta be someone, a few somewhere. Do you think the passing of Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or Louis Farrakhan or ???? would have the same impact? I really think not. But I hope I'm mistaken. There's still plenty of time for folks to make the difference.

Sorry for getting long-winded.