Timely and prophetically applicable for 2013. Every woman, girl, man, and boy should ask themselves these questions. I just did and the answers refreshed my interdisciplinary autonomous modus operandi. PTTP§
Rhonda,
Always stimulating thoughts from you! And, I can now take the time to offer up a response. To (briefly) answer your question about “we” as Black women, I can only speak for myself. I don’t know if I really know who I am, but I do know, at this time in my life, what is important to me: the uplift of our youth, in particular, and the Black community in general. Perhaps this could be called my purpose – as I see it now! As an aside, I am reminded of a similar question? “Where is the intersect between who I think I am and who others perceive me to be?” Admittedly, it would be intriguing to discover the answer to that question, but, the multiplicity implied in “others” would make that a long-term and complex quest – which I feel would only result in confusion. And, frankly, it’s not of great consequence to me who others think I am, except in the case that their perception misinterprets my intent and therefore offends to the extent that my objective of serving my community is compromised– which might really be a current reality!
In any event, I feel fortunate to be at a time in my life when it is “convenient” for me to carry out the “who I am” in the sense that I am “retired” and currently have the personal income/freedom to live comfortably at my chosen (frugal) life-style. I am indeed fortunate, because I know that with children (and parents) comes responsibility that might place financial and time burdens upon us, generationally, that may/will detract from achieving our own goals. And, of course, I do realize that this “fortunate time in my life” is subject to change at any time. That’s life. But, as psychiatrist M. Scott Peck says in the first line of his book The Road Less Traveled, “Life is difficult.” He goes on to say that once we accept that, we can move on and deal with it.
But to get back to your question of “we” as Black women, I do agree about our past as well as our present and future greatness. I recall one of Michele Obama’s high school friends being quoted as saying, “I would have NEVER thought that she would end up as the first Black lady.” So the potential is there in all of us! I believe that she made some right choices – education, association, etc, so we do have to prepare and by preparing — and caring — all of us can make a contribution no matter how small or large. It does take a village, but it no doubt also takes courage and energy to step outside of our comfort zone. Thanks!
Happy New Year and Kwanzaa to you!
Barbara Cole
Hear Her Speak 
And let us not forget Sister Fannie Lou Hamer who profoundly proclaimed that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired!” Ashe!
Excellent Doc! You are exactly right. I enjoyed this read.
Timely and prophetically applicable for 2013. Every woman, girl, man, and boy should ask themselves these questions. I just did and the answers refreshed my interdisciplinary autonomous modus operandi. PTTP§
Wonderful and encouraging.
Rhonda,
Always stimulating thoughts from you! And, I can now take the time to offer up a response. To (briefly) answer your question about “we” as Black women, I can only speak for myself. I don’t know if I really know who I am, but I do know, at this time in my life, what is important to me: the uplift of our youth, in particular, and the Black community in general. Perhaps this could be called my purpose – as I see it now! As an aside, I am reminded of a similar question? “Where is the intersect between who I think I am and who others perceive me to be?” Admittedly, it would be intriguing to discover the answer to that question, but, the multiplicity implied in “others” would make that a long-term and complex quest – which I feel would only result in confusion. And, frankly, it’s not of great consequence to me who others think I am, except in the case that their perception misinterprets my intent and therefore offends to the extent that my objective of serving my community is compromised– which might really be a current reality!
In any event, I feel fortunate to be at a time in my life when it is “convenient” for me to carry out the “who I am” in the sense that I am “retired” and currently have the personal income/freedom to live comfortably at my chosen (frugal) life-style. I am indeed fortunate, because I know that with children (and parents) comes responsibility that might place financial and time burdens upon us, generationally, that may/will detract from achieving our own goals. And, of course, I do realize that this “fortunate time in my life” is subject to change at any time. That’s life. But, as psychiatrist M. Scott Peck says in the first line of his book The Road Less Traveled, “Life is difficult.” He goes on to say that once we accept that, we can move on and deal with it.
But to get back to your question of “we” as Black women, I do agree about our past as well as our present and future greatness. I recall one of Michele Obama’s high school friends being quoted as saying, “I would have NEVER thought that she would end up as the first Black lady.” So the potential is there in all of us! I believe that she made some right choices – education, association, etc, so we do have to prepare and by preparing — and caring — all of us can make a contribution no matter how small or large. It does take a village, but it no doubt also takes courage and energy to step outside of our comfort zone. Thanks!
Happy New Year and Kwanzaa to you!
Barbara Cole