I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how cool you are. On a journey of darkness, I went to your workshop a few months ago, and you became the lantern guiding me on this path called a career.
The eagerness I had for beginning a doctorate was restored as you spouted out facts that were meaningful and true. Addressing the state of education in this nation, you shared information about children that look like me. While the truth hurt, the passion I once had for this profession lit up within and I was on fire and you knew it. Others may have been offended and not ready for what you had to say, but I thank you for your realness. I thank you for being confident and knowing who you are and what needs to occur in education for the wrongs to be righted. I thank you for not backing down to the one they "show honor to" even if he didn't acknowledge you in the thereafter sessions and meetings...
You gave it! Yes, you stuck it to us while keeping a smile and never skipping a beat. All the while they watched, feeling set up and let down because they could not box you or classify you as they're so used to doing to us. No, they could not get at you because that was not your concern or purpose. But, for a couple of hours you became their worse nightmare: an intelligent black woman with a PhD.
Where do I sign up?!?
So, here's to you, Dr. Donna Ford, for saving my people and restoring in me the dream that equity in education can one day occur. While I am excited for new hopes and accomplishments we never thought we'd live the day to see (i.e., a black presidential candidate), I realize there are many in this world blinded to the setbacks we continue to face that challenge our being and worth on a daily basis. I long for the day when my college alma mater will no longer have to rely on the monies of a legacy that determines the state of its educational program today. They don't care about the impact on all of its customers, nor does progress concern them. They fear its college's reputation.
Where were these concerned philanthropists when the frats ran around in black face and confederate flags during my years there? I am sure they must have been aware of--and found it down right embarrassing when--the KKK society posted signs everywhere about what the "kaucasians" needed. I suppose those issues never would have turned away those giving back because I did not matter. A cross on a yard, a mascot, a sex show were the important matters, but I digress.
Daily, I ask the Lord for wisdom in a world that finds me ignorant, uneducated, and inferior. I've dealt with it my whole life, and it's no different today. One slip up and I know it's accounted to my race, my people, and I cannot recover.
Dr. Donna Ford, you became a lantern, admitting your light ever so bright! You've become the lighthouse I will use to guide me in reaching the goals I have so I can fulfill the purposes I was brought here to accomplish. I pray my best days can match your worse days because I know those days are even dynamic in your world.
One day I will be their worst nightmare; I promise you that. However, it will be worth the fight if it can make an educational impact on our teachers and students. Bring it.
With kindest personal regard,
* * *
PS - I will study under you...just show me the money!
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