Since 2016, each month I read to myself out loud a poem that my late father, Don Clemons Edwards Sr., gave to me after I told him about my encounter with racism while back in the fifth grade. This poem, “Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?” was written by RuNett Nia Ebo in 1994 and can be read on her website, https://www.poetebo.com. Her poem poses questions that God then answers.
And that brings me to the BIG issue that must be dealt with if County Judge Todd Little deserves re-election. Have we forgotten there is still a derogatory term in a celebrated taxpayer supported building?
It’s interesting to me when Blacks want something that’s disparaging taken down it’s called “destruction of property” or nicknamed “cancel culture.” However, when Whites want things to be left up it’s called “preservation of history.”
Whites say, “We need to remember.”
Blacks are saying, “We don’t need THAT reminder.”
To me, in the words of Robert Frost, these are the two roads that have diverged in the 21st century. I wonder how many of us will choose the road less traveled – that decision will make a significant difference.
Hiding behind commissioners, appeals, and boards is a smoke screen to lull the concern asleep. Yet, there is a consciousness in America that’s offended by the term “woke.” May I educate you: Black folks have always been “woke.” The term shouldn’t be “woke” but “spoke.”
These concerns are being spoken in places other than red-lined communities, impoverished areas, and underfunded schools. These issues are spoke in educated pulpits, institutions of higher learning, city halls, judicial chambers, the halls of Congress, and local restaurants. The problem with America is that race issues talked about privately in high rise buildings and low-lying alleys are being spoke in the public square. And it is making many of us uncomfortable but the very things being spoken are undeniable.
It will be impressive if Todd Little did something big and worked to remove that NEGROES sign from the most iconic building in Ellis County. I would fly home to be a part of that paint party! These are real actions. This makes a real difference that shows character and not party affiliation. Rarely, do you hear issues concerning the Polka Festival, Chautauqua Auditorium, or Bluebonnet Trail get tabled or put off for over a year. So, why this?
One day, I look forward to singing hand and hand with the decision makers of Waxahachie and Ellis County (after a study of the lyrics) the words of the anthem, “Life Every Voice and Sing.”
It might wake up something in you that’s been asleep for far too long.
Here are the lyrics …
Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.
Judge Todd Little, do something big!
Pastor Darron LaMonte Edwards is a 1988 graduate of Waxahachie High School.
!