"People were wrapped around the building, just to get a glimpse, to pay their respect to the "Godmother" of the Civil Rights Era Dr. Dorothy Irene Height."
Today, I listened to Past National Presidents of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. talk about Dr. Height at her Omega Omega Ceremony in Burr Gymnasium on Howard University's campus. They defined Dr. Height as the "quiet glue" that held Delta Sigma Theta, the YWCA, and National Council of Negro Women together. I looked around the gymnasium at the multitude of Black women, Delta women, all gathered together to honor the life of Dr. Height. This sight brought tears to my eyes.
As I reflected on Dr. Height's life and the changes she made throughout the world, I am left questioning my life and the legacy I will leave behind.
What am I doing with that hyphen between life and death to make a difference in this world? What legacy will you leave behind?
Our days on earth are numbered, and we tend to take our time fulfilling our purpose by foolishly assuming that tomorrow is promised. Tomorrow is not promised.
What will people say about you when you die?
She had an attitude, been with all the guys in the neighborhood, lied, stole, gossiped, selfish, drug addict, alcoholic, and didn't know who her children's father was. She had a PhD. in Haterology, couldn't keep a job, mean spirited, foul mouthed, and abrasive. Or are you so quiet and null in void in your life that people don't even know who you are? Are you just existing and not living?
We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. We all fall short and we all sin. But as imperfect as the human flesh may be we are all designed in God's image. Whether you choose to believe it or not man did not create man.
We each have a purpose. We each have a calling.
The time is now, as women, to live out our purpose.
We have to go back to school, take risks, PRAY, devote ourselves to community service, start our own businesses, dare to dream, and dare to speak out against injustice. We need to take positions of leadership in the courtroom, the boardroom, the pulpit, on Capitol Hill and most importantly in the classroom.
We need to stop passing judgement on the teenage girl who is pregnant or the woman addicted to heroin. We have to stop turning our noses up in self righteous proclivity against one another. Get rid of the fake, false fronting demeanor and open ourselves up to humility and public service. The power is in numbers. How dare we break our strength by tearing one another down?
How do you want to be remembered in death?
What do you want your legacy to be?
Is the life you're living now even worth the air you breathe?
To whom much is given, much is required. We have a purpose. We must fulfill it!
Thank you Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Your living was not in vain. I will carry your legacy with me as I create my own.
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