Courageous Hearts: A Valentine's Day and Black History Message
the media will focus on Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers. Very few of these media will give any thought to the women who carried on the civil rights fight after these men were murdered, all the while raising their children, building careers and making a difference. So when you're thinking about how tough you've got it, when there never seems to be a mate to the kid's socks, when your trying to grocery shop, watch the kids, keep track of the expenses, while comparing prices for the best deal, when your pulled in too many directions at once, when you can't read more the a single sentence without being interrupted by "Mommy, I need the . . .", when there is never enough time in the day, when the bills pile up and the child support never comes, when the ex gives you nothing but grief, remember Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, Myrlie Evers.
Whatever your race, think of the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. who suffered the loss of her husband and was left with 4 children to raise. Coretta Scott King went on and devoted her life to the civil rights movement. She helped develop and currently works at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change.
Think of the wife of Malcolm X, Betty Shabazz, who pregnant with twins witnessed the assassination of her husband and was left to raise 6 kids alone. She went on to get a doctorate, and also dedicated her life to political activism, becoming the director of public relations at Medgar Evers College.
Think of the wife of Medgar Evers, who raised her 3 children after her husband was shot and killed at their home. Myrlie Evers went on to lecture for the NAACP, began a career in business and eventually became chairperson for the NAACP in 1995. She is quoted as saying, "I have reached a point in my life where I understand the pain and the challenges and my attitude is one of standing up with open arms to meet them all." May we, as single moms, find the same courage to persevere in the face of hardship, as these single moms.
And that is my message for Valentine's Day. Although my heart may not be filled with love, it can be filled with courage - and that will see me through this struggle. I hope this
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