I‘ve always been one of the few black children in any given space. In school, Cub Scouts, and summer camp, I was usually the “only one.” I told my wife that when I was at the Air Force Academy that was the first time, I had ever been around so many black folks.
What can one say? Your story is one of perseverance, support, compassion and a level of bravery through your personal commitment. Personally I respect you for telling your story of non-perfection and of knowing that as a community we need each other. Please keep writing.
It’s very difficult when you’re six years old and come to the USA in 1960 as a Cuban refugee. I was enrolled in the second grade at a Catholic school and knew very little English. Neither the teachers or the students spoke Spanish so I was really on my own to learn English.
My father was an airline pilot in Cuba and he was fluent in English. He was my teacher and we poured over English language books every day until late at night. I was proud of my hard work to learn to read and write English. The biggest lesson that I learned from my father was to never give up. You’re never a failure even when you make mistakes. You can only be a failure if you give up.
I hope that young people will be inspired by your story to keep working hard to follow their dreams.
You have a great story I hope you will share as well. Giving up on your dreams should not be an option.Continued blessing and success to you and your family.
It's good to know for certain that there are still thinking people with brains and fortitude alive today. The brain and heart are the most important qualifications in any and all races. You've proved the content of your character and it's a beauty! Let's hope and pray it's contagious!
It speaks directly to the "content of (your) character" and how, when people use THAT as the basis for success, there's no limit to how high we can climb.
"Why do you need to see someone who looks like you before you move forward? What’s wrong with being the first or the only? Why wait for someone else to achieve their dream before you go after yours? Why put off living your life until you see someone else living your life?"
Damn, that is good. Particularly when it comes to the obsession with "spaces".
I know I’m late but you make a valid point your dreams and aspirations shouldn’t always be based on who did it before or you needing someone who looks like you to do it first
I was a white kid (lower middle class) and I was never the smartest but I worked harder than most and achieved. I guess I am a narcissist because if I didn’t take care of myself no one else was going to. So I very much understand stand and applaud you for being a role model. But more so for using your brain and guts. And elbow grease.
I don't like that stories like mine are amplified and stories like yours get put on the back burner, as if what I did is so great compared to what you have accomplished. The common feature in both our experiences is that we put in the work, we stayed focused and didn't quit. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
What can one say? Your story is one of perseverance, support, compassion and a level of bravery through your personal commitment. Personally I respect you for telling your story of non-perfection and of knowing that as a community we need each other. Please keep writing.
Thank you for your input. I am enjoying this journey and definitely plan to continue.
It’s very difficult when you’re six years old and come to the USA in 1960 as a Cuban refugee. I was enrolled in the second grade at a Catholic school and knew very little English. Neither the teachers or the students spoke Spanish so I was really on my own to learn English.
My father was an airline pilot in Cuba and he was fluent in English. He was my teacher and we poured over English language books every day until late at night. I was proud of my hard work to learn to read and write English. The biggest lesson that I learned from my father was to never give up. You’re never a failure even when you make mistakes. You can only be a failure if you give up.
I hope that young people will be inspired by your story to keep working hard to follow their dreams.
You have a great story I hope you will share as well. Giving up on your dreams should not be an option.Continued blessing and success to you and your family.
Perseverance, that’s how I have gotten through life too. Keep telling your story. People will listen.
It's good to know for certain that there are still thinking people with brains and fortitude alive today. The brain and heart are the most important qualifications in any and all races. You've proved the content of your character and it's a beauty! Let's hope and pray it's contagious!
Thank you so much. All we can do is share truth and hope it resonates in the hearts of our fellow country men.
What an inspiring story, Cecil!
It speaks directly to the "content of (your) character" and how, when people use THAT as the basis for success, there's no limit to how high we can climb.
Thank you for sharing. ZL
I think we would all be doing a lot better if we considered a person’s character above everything else. Thank you 🙏🏾
"Why do you need to see someone who looks like you before you move forward? What’s wrong with being the first or the only? Why wait for someone else to achieve their dream before you go after yours? Why put off living your life until you see someone else living your life?"
Damn, that is good. Particularly when it comes to the obsession with "spaces".
Great article, Mr. Grant!
Thank you. Appreciate your comment.
I know I’m late but you make a valid point your dreams and aspirations shouldn’t always be based on who did it before or you needing someone who looks like you to do it first
I was a white kid (lower middle class) and I was never the smartest but I worked harder than most and achieved. I guess I am a narcissist because if I didn’t take care of myself no one else was going to. So I very much understand stand and applaud you for being a role model. But more so for using your brain and guts. And elbow grease.
I don't like that stories like mine are amplified and stories like yours get put on the back burner, as if what I did is so great compared to what you have accomplished. The common feature in both our experiences is that we put in the work, we stayed focused and didn't quit. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
Thank you. Blessings to you and your family.