Good evening everybody.
Today we are all invited to reflect upon how we can build a world of respect for everyone’s human rights and dignity.
This question brings to my mind the contributions, determination, and hopes of Ms. Althea who was born in the 3rd Ward and who moved into the 7th.
She tells us,
“There is always something positive that can come from people getting together. You can go beyond the struggle. It is important to do better and to improve as you struggle.
Don't give up. There's always a better day.
I have never felt left out of this community.
And I've been living here for 50 years. Here, if people can help, they'll help.
When one of my neighbors cooks, if anybody needs something to eat -- and not just me--she’ll feed them.
Donations came to another neighbor for him to share with the community so he could offer a hot meal on Saturdays, and a food drive where bags of food were issued to each individual.
He also put out clothes every day.
There was the community center.
They had movie nights and computer activities for the children.
They offered free information on HIV, copies of documents when needed, and resources to assist people to become first-time homeowners.
Then there's the example of a neighbor that I invited to dinner.
I wanted to show him that I really appreciated his saying to me, 'I want to help put your lights back on'. He came up with a plan to assist me with my lights by asking for donations from his friends; so it was a success. My lights are now on.
I wanted to say more than thank you for the kind gesture, but thank you for who you are.
If someone is in need, I am always reaching out.
That's the way I am.
I have taken in some people who needed a place to stay.
Some of them have fixed things in my house.
For example, there was a man who chipped away some plaster to reveal the chimney beneath, and then he helped to do the whole chimney.
I don’t want to set prices high at my food stand because I don't want the community to feel like they can’t afford a snack.
Just because I don't have a lot does not mean I don't have anything to give.
If I see a need, then I don’t mind helping by giving what is needed.
Now I'm getting to know more and more about Fourth World.
One thing I am sure of is that the Street Library motivates the young ones;
it encourages kids to excel.
It is awesome. That means a lot to me.”
Ms. Althea participated in one of the activities of the Street Library Festival of Arts and Learning this summer. She offered to assist with a workshop.
Her presence, as an adult member of the neighborhood, expressed that the community agreed with these summer activities that allowed the children to explore their talents.
Ms. Althea continues,
“Kids need to be able to read. They need to spend time reading.
Books give knowledge.
Books are self-educating because they help to understand topics.
They advance the child outside of school.
When the child hears the topic in school, she or he already knows about it.
That’s how a three year old can know his ABCs and numbers and colors before entering kindergarten.
I sell books that teach how to sew, knit, make quilts, and even play the piano. This is how people can become self-taught.”
She concludes,
“It is important to share this message with others who are struggling:
As long as you live, you can do better.
It’s taking a long time, but Rome was not built in one day.
No matter how many steps backward we make, it is going to happen.
That hope is the most important thing. As we overcame slavery, we can overcome poverty.
