My first role model was my dad. When I was in the seventh grade, the school district wanted to bus students in our district to another school district. My dad attended PTA meetings. When the school busing issue arose my dad went from door to door with petition in hand asking for signatures to prevent busing. Out of an entire district four parents signed the petition. My dad was laughed at, talked about, then other times he felt ridiculed. My dad's agenda was to prevent my younger sister from being pulled away from of walking distance to school and back home.
At the next PTA meeting the results or answer from the district arrived. The Principle told the parents their children would be bussed out of the district. Parents were upset and wanted to know if there was anything which could be done? The Principle, Mrs. Capers of Douglass Elementary School in Over town Miami, Florida ( N.W. 12 th St and 3 Ave) said:" well I heard Mr. Gene ( my dad) knocked on many doors trying to prevent this from happening but he did not get enough support, it's too late, so don't come crying on my shoulder."
My dad felt he had failed but in my eyes he tried to make a difference. I was too young to truly appreciate his efforts, but now I do understand the challenges of wanting to unite a community.
Attempts to unite a community is a labor of love. It requires fortitude, commitment,vision, and more. There were and are many which tried and still try to unite communities. For those of you trying to make a difference in the community just know your efforts are not in vain.
Question: Have you ever tried to organize a community? What are your thoughts on unity in the community?
