I believe it takes a village to raise a child and this is that non- profit village. I grew up in a small town then referred to as Carver Ranches, in Broward County, Florida. Both my parents worked very hard to provide and leave a legacy or an inheritance for us. Hence, like today’s example of latchkey children. (A latchkey child is one who is left at home or returns from school with little parental supervision because their parents are away at work). Fortunately, our small town neighbors knew each other.
We lived under the watchful eyes and caring hands of family and friends keeping tabs in our close knit, Black Tribal Village. While mom and dad worked at least one or more of these custodians patrolled the neighborhood and reported all unruly activity to our parents. Along with neighbors there was one aunt next door, another two blocks away, and a third just around the corner. Therefore, help was always a holler away without fear of evil.
In the quest for a better, brighter future my parents left some essential elements, for instance: love, affection, guidance, family. After all, neither of them possessed the tools coming from a fatherless home.
I truly believe we are put in the pathway of others to enrich and enhance their lives. It could be a little thing or perhaps a big thing but it will prove to be a memorable life changing experience.
This reminds me of the importance of teachers as well. People like my elementary school principal, Mrs. Susie Daniels who inspired me to achieve more, desire better, even when what you have on hand is little. Take that little morsel mix it with faith and believe you can do it and it will come to pass. Since she worked with village children and the community she was aware of what was needed to nurture the children, so she held separate assemblies for the boys and one for the girls in sixth grade before going onto middle school. She was instrumental in teaching the young ladies to use what’s in your house to walk out looking your best. She there is no excuse, if you have but one dress, wash it at night, iron it the next morning and groom yourself. This was the first time I had heard these words but they resonate with me yet today. I LOVED HER FOR THIS. If she were alive today, she would say if you have but one use the one you got until you can get the one you want. Some might say that’s a minor detail, but for me it was a major turning point.
My parents worked every day except on Sunday’s, which was set aside for church. I was left in charge while mom and dad worked, being I the oldest of seven sisters and brothers. Imagine babies raising babies. My paternal grandfather passed away before my father turned seven years old.
Both my parents came from homes a normal family structure of life was interrupted by premature death. My maternal grandfather died in1943 when mom was seventeen and my paternal grandfather passed away prior to 1930 when dad was only six years old. Therefore, neither parent had any idea of what a two parent household resembled and neither did I. My parents’ relationship ended in divorce 19 years later after my birth, leaving still yet seven more children in a broken home due to irreconcilable differences. You see brokenness comes in many forms, but what is more important, is the programs geared to mend the broken hearted an shattered spirit. I hear a shout of those in the distance crying out, “certainly, Little Miss Proverbs 31, is well equipped to knock down bearers, march forward, and possess the land
My heart’s desire is to break the one parent household and give families a fighting chance to be made whole. The village should start within the home and radiate outward into community and the world. Like Principal Susie Daniels, we can provide young ladies with the tools to soar higher and forge farther.
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