by Tanya Cromartie-Faraha
I am writing this past deadline as usual. There is so much going on off the page that needs tending to, but Im taking time this morning to get this off my chest and hope there will be a bit of space left for this piece. It wont need much space. Im downsizing in every room of my life and Ive finally learned that most of us talk too much.
Milwaukees children need us
Milwaukees children need those of us who work everyday on their behalf
Milwaukees children need those of us who earn good money because of their plight
Milwaukees children need those of us who use their plight as stair steps to heaven
Milwaukees children need those of us who use their service to make feathers to stroke egos
Milwaukees children need us to work on their behalf with respect and sincerity. They need to see themselves reflected in our eyes. Do not work with our youth if you feel they are hopeless, lost souls with nothing to offer the world. They WILL see this in your eyes and believe it.
Do not work with our youth if it is just a job for you. If you dont take their smiles and wisdom home with you at night, if you do not see them as teachers and guides for the work that you do, if you rob them of their natural light then try to spoon-feed your agenda to them… we can handle this battle without you. Please stay home.
Milwaukees children need those of us who serve them from a safe distance to fight the good fight sometimes from the trenches. Well celebrate together in the sun when the good fight is won.
How do I know? They told me so.
Riverwest Currents online edition – April, 2006