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.
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.
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.
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!
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
"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!
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.
Thank you. Blessings to you and your family.