A Monthly Inspirational Viewpoint of Life’s Journeys with Sonia Wignall.
Episode Twenty – Five
“Neither we nor our children must ever forget the roads we have traveled on, the challenges we and our
ancestors have overcome. Lest we forget who we are, the strengths we carry, the resilience that breathes
within us, what we have learned, and why we were created.” – Sonia M. Wignall.
My beloved nephew Gabo visited me last week. Not only does his visits bring enormous joy, but also a deep reminder of my influence and responsibility in his life. Next to my son, he has a special place in my heart.
He shares with me tiny kid size secrets, joyous moments, disappointments and angst. I try to listen intently and always remind him how much he is loved and how great a future he has. I encourage him to pray for others and like his mother’s teachings, to trust God above all else.
Yet through all this joy and conversation, it pains me to consider how to share with him the painful truths of our past as people of color, how we must remain vigilant and prepared for our future, and a little bit of the political climate we are in.
I see my nephew in all his beauty, kindness and wisdom. Unfortunately the world may not see what we see or love and care for him the way we his family do. Gabo goes to a great private school where he is taught well and given many experiences. He is a great student. Yet, neither that school, nor any other
can prepare him for the challenges that will come his way simply because of the color of his skin, or his multi-racial heritage.
I took this time with him to create teachable historical moments. We went to the Martin Luther King Center, and walked through the magnificent exhibitions, tomb, and the historical buildings including a visit to the great Ebenezer Baptist Church.
I shared with him the challenges, courage, resilience and pain of our people. I told him about Harriet Tubman and her courageous journey to freedom from slavery I showed him images of her.
We talked a bit more about slavery, segregation and the “Jim Crow” era. Historical facts that many will want him to believe never existed. As I spoke about our past, I also tried to bring it full circle so he can understand the relevance of this information in our life today. Understandably this was a bit confusing for him a young child, with a fairly comfortable lifestyle and experience.
It was a bit weighty for me also. Gabo has so much more to learn and experience. He has many ignorant people that will be on his life path. He will have to ignore them like Nehemiah, forgive their ignorance, and pass over them to remain focused, resilient and embrace the greatness God has for him.
Once back home, I asked him to write what he learned and experienced at the MLK center. I wanted to see what he understood.
Yet in all of this it was still not enough. There is no time vast enough to fill the enormous amount of words, quotes, experiences and all else that will ever frame the experience of displacement, slavery, abuse, resilience, faith, pain and historical trauma of our people.
For my Beloved Gabo, “I will continue to pour into you until your cup runs over with wisdom, love and understanding. You are joy and a gift to us and to this world. Never forget who you are, the power of God, and his strength within you. You are amazing!”
“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the
road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
- Deuteronomy 11:19
Image(s) Attribution: Sonia Wignall
Sonia Wignall:
Sonia Wignall is Co-Founder & Board Chair, Diaspora Global Foundation: www.diasporaglobalfoundation.org.
She is also a Cultural and Lifestyle Writer. Her articles and monthly column “Perspective” can be found on Diaspora Digital News.