Family
reunions are about uniting the family, bringing together the young
and the old; singing and dancing and thanking God, giving Him the
glory. Thanking Him for getting us over¡
Do you see
this shack? The man and woman who were born here gave birth to this
generation. They were slaves. They worked this ground. But, they
bought it from the widow of the slave owner and that¡¯s the kind of
blood we have running through our veins. That¡¯s the stock that we
are made of.
What
happened to us? What happened to us? I mean, who are you?
Do you know who you are? What
happened to the pride and the dignity and the love and respect that
we had for one another? Where did it go? And how¡ How do we get it
back?
I¡¯ma tell
you¡
Young black
men, take your place! We need you! Your sons and daughters need
you. Do you understand what I just said? You were sold off and had
no choice. Yes! But, now it¡¯s time to stay! TAKE YOUR PLACE!
Now! Starting now! Starting NOW!
Young black
women! You are more than your thighs and your hips. You are
beautiful, strong, powerful. I want more from you.
TAKE YOUR PLACE!
I want
every single one of you ¡§C Young man, young woman. Turn to the next
person standing alongside of you. Grab¡¯em and hug¡¯em and tell¡¯em
that you love¡¯em. Tell¡¯em if you need anything, come to me. If you
need somebody to talk to, come to me. I¡¯ll give you the shoulder.
I¡¯ll give you the hug! I¡¯ll feed you. I¡¯ll clothe you if you need
it.
That¡¯s how
you start - from this moment. When you leave this reunion
today you take that with you. God bless you all.
