Over the years, I have often been asked, "Are you related to Fannie Lou Hamer?" I even started doing some research. Back in those days, the central library was located on Peabody Avenue. I went through a lot of the Census records on microfiche. My grandmother on my father's side was a Williams. My grandfather on my mother's side was a Hamer. I started researching the Hamers starting in Benton County, Mississippi. Fannie Lou Hamer resided in Ruleville, Mississippi which is in Sunflower County. After realizing that this is going to be a long search because most of the people seem to have 15 kids or more, I decided instead to write the book and do what I needed to do. I have always had that Fannie Lou Hamer spirit. She coined the phrase "Sick and tired of being sick and tired." I have a disdain for hindrance tactics. I personally think that it is a level of demonic activity.
Even in the Bible, the Jewish people were being held back and God sent Moses and commanded Pharaoh to let my people go. Pharaoh didn't want to do it, and you know the story of how he had no choice until tragedy struck his house and then he was forced to let the people go.
Also, the Bible makes reference to the fact that an Angel was trying to bring the answer to Daniel. The angel was withstood for 21 days from the prince of the kingdom of Persia. From what I have read and interpreted, this prince of Persia is a principality from the kingdom of Satan. Since the devil is not omniscient, he has to enlist the help of his highly organized group of devils and demons. So, he can't be everywhere at once. If they will withstand men and women of God, they will withstand you and me.
So when people act like, hindrance tactics are basically nonexistent or a figment of my imagination. I am thinking, you really need to wake up and smell the coffee because the struggle is real.I am thankful for the connection to Fannie Lou Hamer. I believe in broadcasting it opened doors for me. Over the years, I have interviewed or had chance encounters with many Civil Rights legends. I have interviewed and interacted with Reverend Samuel Billy Kyles, Judge D'Army Bailey, Stockley Carmichael, Dr. Vasco and Mrs. Maxine Smith, Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Andrew Young and Vivian Malone Jones, just to name a few. All have taken note of my name and whether I said I was related to her or not felt the need to impart information that the struggle needs to continue. Many have just assumed the relationship because of the rarity of the name.
My entry into broadcasting was paved by many brave journalists of National Associaton of Black Journalists(NABJ) who take it personally when it comes to mentoring up and coming journalists. Now, that I am in education I see the challenges that districts face in funding urban school districts and the belief by some that districts can operate on not enough funds.
I see people who have the time and the means to get out and be active but are waiting on others to take the lead and their children are the ones in the school district. Why can't others take a stand? Why can't all who are able to vote, vote? Why are you waiting on someone else to do something when you can do it yourself?
One of my bosses in TV once told us, "If you stand for nothing you will fall for anything." I believe that the school districts are doing the best that they can with the money that they have, but I am really tired of people thinking it can be run on a shoestring budget. Everyone can't put their child in a private school. Actually, I think quite highly of public schools. It could be because I was educated in public schools and had good teachers. It could be because I am a teacher. It might also be because of the level of research that I have done that keeps me aware of how effective education can be for anyone at any age.
It might also be because of the Word of God that says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). People send their children to public schools because for many it is all they can do. For others, it is because they have confidence in the school system and for others they realize that's what it's for. They are supposed to educate our children because of the law.
If you are not already doing it, do something different this year. Stand for children. Stand for the future. I often tell my students that I teach the importance of education whether they want to hear it or not. They know Mrs. Smith is on her soapbox. I am trying to make you the best version of yourself. That's what parents and teachers are called to do. You are supposed to help make your child or student the best version of themselves even if it means out shadowing your own accomplishments. That's love. That's purpose. Forget about whether or not they will appreciate it. You just do the best that you can by them and if they don't already appreciate it, they will one day.
