Handling Being Mishandled

Growing up in the South, reverence for anyone in my life or who crossed my path, was non-negotiable: my Mama, Daddy, Grandparents, older relatives, those in authority or in my community. Well actually, anyone older than myself, had to have a handle on their name-Mr., Miss., Mrs., Aunt/Uncle, Cousin, Sister/Brother (church family specifically).  It was second nature to address everybody with some sort of title. I never questioned why I should do this, even if the person I was addressing wasn’t the same ethnicity, the expectation was to revere them…or else.

Unfortunately, the generational standard of other races in this country, for years, has been to do anything but put a handle on the names of anyone who was Black, especially if there was a title or position attached.  After watching “The Six Triple Eight”, I was reminded of this reality…my reality, as a Black woman.  The other generals in the Army Corps didn’t even want to salute Captain Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th battalion. As a matter of fact, one of the White male officers told her, “That will never happen.”

The 855 all-black Women’s Army Corp were never taken seriously, were set up to fail, and expected fail. Sounds like Black women…today…right?  While our cry for help isn’t even heard the same as another race, we somehow keep our composure in the face of disregard. This incredible movie reminded me just what we’re built of and how I must continue to live out my inherited construction.

It also showed me that whatever access I have that others may not, I must make it my mission to speak for them, just as Mary McLeod Bethune did.  Watching this film attested to the fact that I have a responsibility to make it, no matter what environment I’m placed in.

As Black Women, you could give us the title of “Master Gardner”. Why?  We can grow a harvest in the most horrendous weather conditions. We could also be given the title, “Master Builder”. Why?  In the words of Capt. Charity Adams, “We are no strangers to making a shack, a home.  Most of our mothers have had to do it as well." What is my point? A Black woman can go anywhere, anytime, and do anything, with whatever she’s given…or not given. I now understand that we’re artists. We sometimes, rarely ever, have a blueprint, but we create one.

As I watched these women create a system for sending over 17 million pieces of mail to soldiers and their relatives, I cringed, I cried, I hurt, I smiled, and I beamed with pride because they all looked like me.  Such rich history was made by Black women, which means the only option for me, is to succeed.  Notice I said, it’s the only one that I have and not the one given by others.

My Sisters, there is something so powerful about this film that compelled and refueled my passion to see all of us, young and old, make it!  My finish is determined on how I choose to run. Sure, there are a lot of factors that hinder me getting to the end of my race, but there’s also factors that outweigh every hinderance. If I train by watching how those before me ran, I’m sure to finish well.

In order to overcome, I must first identify the reason for the opposition. I don’t have to understand why you don’t like me; I just need to align with that reality.  Don’t get bogged down with insignificant details. Don’t get distracted by minute happenings.  Focus on the finish.  And those who may refuse to salute now, will have no choice but to salute you when you cross that finish line!

That’s what our ancestors did.

That’s what our parents did.

That’s what Captain Charity Adams and the 6888th battalion did.

Although given six months to deliver 17 million pieces of mail, they did it in less than...90 days!!!! They boosted the confidence of the soldiers and gave peace to their families waiting back home. What a WIN. What a VICTORY!!!

As I stated earlier, I was expected to put a handle on anyone, regardless of ethnicity. I was taught that respect isn't color coded, it's humane. Winning is inevitable for me because I don't determine another persons' worth, by how they look. I automatically value them enough to treat them how they deserve. These ladies were taunted by the same race they gave peace to. Sometimes your motivation to do well won't come from those who help you, but those who may not even...like you.

I will never move forward in any endeavor presented to me without having identified why I’m a target. Knowing is my kryptonite…our kryptonite!!! You can only fight according to your knowledge. And your knowledge alerts you as to the position you fight from.

Lastly, I will forever train by this sentiment of Captain Charity Adams: “I know we’re fighting a war, but our war starts, with being a Negro.”

Identify, train, and WIN…it’s your ONLY option! The perfect formula for the Black woman…to handle, being mishandled.