Freedom! As we celebrate our country's birthday on July 4th, we are reminded that our rights to religious and personal freedoms came with a cost. In the 1960's African Americans also fought for equality and opportunity, many of which I enjoy this very day.
This week I celebrate all of those who gave of themselves to bring about change and to make our world a better place. I also celebrate the life and legacy of Carol Jenkins, a 21-year old young black woman who wanted to offer her talents to teaching. Unfortunately, Carol never got that chance because of ignorance and hatred. Carol is a symbol of the beautiful lives lost to a societal problem that we -- in this day and age -- can work to fix. In fact, I applaud those in Martinsville, Indiana who are working to foster diversity in their community, decades after Carol's tragic death in their town.
And now as "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf..." becomes the launch point for discussions in book clubs, and community organizations across the State and beyond, my sincerest hope is that we will identify ways to come together for justice, truth and love where we live.
There will always be those who try to detract from the message at heart. They can't see beyond their own shallow viewpoints, which are often related to style or other insignificant criticisms, in order to get to what really matters. We can only pray.. pray that the work that needs to move forward and the voices of those willing to take the challenge, will speak louder, sweeter and more direct to the masses that desire even greater change.
In the coming weeks, we will offer discussion points for "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" to help facilitate book clubs already looking to delve into this Indiana case with issues of abuse and domestic violence hidden in its shadows.
