In the summer of 2002, I picked up the book, This Little Life of Mine, a biography of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977).

At the time, I was entering my sophomore year at Wossman High School, and I had reached a point in life where I longed for more education on things that I thought were important. As I searched my parents' library, I eventually found Hamer’s book.

Author Kay Mills shared many horrific and sad stories of Hamer’s life. Hamer rose from picking cotton for a sharecropped farm to become a leader in the fight for Blacks' voting rights. From being tormented by Whites as a child to being beaten multiple times while fighting for the voting rights of Blacks in America, her life wasn’t glamorous nor comfortable. She was a selfless person who knew the risks of fighting for change but still carried out her mission. She made countless speeches to motivate the masses and always backed up her statements with action.

"We didn't come all the way up here to compromise for no more than we'd gotten here." said Hammer.

Just as in years past when our ancestors protested and boycotted, experiencing much turmoil and injustice. We have been called to continue the fight, not only honoring our ancestors' legacies but to provide a path for those who come after us. All Americans, no matter race or ethnicity, will be effected by the decisions made today. Let us be wise in pursuits of justice and righteousness.

The summer is the most opportune time for extended learning for all, especially those students who are at home “bored”. Please encourage your children, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren, to pick up books of substance and READ. When we gain knowledge, we gain understanding, and understanding creates independent thinking. Knowledge is power!