We come from various shades…

            As light as the sun rising over the mountains in the east

            To the rich, dark flavor of mother earth.

We are descendants of kings and queens

            That ruled over terrains of the world not yet touched by man.

We have overcome adversities…

            And fallen…

                        And risen…

                                    With heads held high and spirits filled with hope.

We’ve known disappointments and drank more than our share…

            from the wells of heartache.

And yet through it all…

            (and by all I mean)

            Every negative, stereotypical image splashed across television screens,

            images that erode the spirit – taking away the gift that God alone has given.

We have risen…

            And shared in love and pride…

                        As Maya, Martin, Harriet and Frederick gave us hope

                        in a message so strong that it had to be shared…

                        Passed from generation to generation.

We come from mothers who make every Christmas special

            To grandfathers who’s laughter is so infectious…

                        To grandmothers who have at one time rocked us to sleep

                                    While humming softly…gently…sweetly.

We come from family reunions

            Of watermelon, fried chicken, potato salad and kool-aid.

                        And brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces

                                    Playing football, tag and pinochle.

And laughter…

            Oh yes…the laughter

                        And the love.

And no matter how much or how little we have.

            Dear brothers and sisters

            We come from a love that knows no end.