You don’t have to be written about in a book to be a history maker. Most of us do it every day in small, steady ways. Ordinary citizens make history as they give of themselves to the communities around them.
This month, as we celebrate Black History, I want to acknowledge the little-known heroes I also call friends. I think people should know about them and the many others out there who put the hoe to the ground, breaking the soil of brotherhood and creating wonderful things in the process.
My friends Jerri and Aubrey, mentor youth in their Alton Park community, working directly with neighborhood schools to encourage parental involvement and spiritual development. They’ve regularly opened their home up to others, and though it has been a sacrifice at times, they don’t regret their calling. They live in a neighborhood where they know many of the youth, and they have what Aubrey calls, “life on life” relationships with them.
Aubrey says that students like his friend, Deron, who once had a 1.37 GPA, help make his work rewarding.
“He thought he was not college material, but now he’s at Chattanooga State, studying to become a history teacher in his community,” Aubrey explains.