As a woman of color — and let’s be clear: as a Black Woman, I know I would not have the freedom and availability to have the voice I have if it were not for the fact that others stand up and fight to make sure equality and justice is available to all of us. I appreciate and respect the fact that United States Congresswoman Maxine Waters is willing to stand up and not only speak on behalf of those who can’t be heard, but is willing to fight on their behalf. Why is it when a woman refuses to be submissive and quiet we are called belligerent or uncivil, but when men step up to make a point they are applauded? As my grandmother used to say, sometimes it really is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. “Auntie Maxine”-please keep squeaking.
I am a native of Southern California. I originally hail from the fair city of Riverside. When I moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1979, Maxine Waters had already started her career in public service working in the office of then Los Angeles City Councilman David Cunningham as Chief Deputy and you could see she had a drive that could not and would not be stopped even back then. Councilman David Cunningham was my uncle and I was exposed (even from the shadows) to her commitment and dedication to the improvement of those she served close to forty years ago.
Although I’ve not had a very close relationship with the Congresswoman, I can say from my own personal experience working with her and her office in the Los Angeles area, whenever I reach out to request her assistance, presence, support or help, when it is within her power she always does her best. I am grateful that no matter how full her plate may be and how much she has to work and travel around the world to make a difference in uplifting democracy, she still has the human touch and doesn’t forget about those who she not only represents, but who also depend on her to be heard. Now don’t get me wrong, Auntie Maxine will also put you in your place if she thinks she needs to correct you. But is that a bad thing?
On that point, if Congresswoman Maxine Waters feels she had to express herself in such a way that came across as challenging the Trump Administration, then I can tell you she had good reason and she definitely does her homework and can factually back up whatever platform she is standing on. She is no joke and we need to continue to support the work she is doing. It takes a multitude of people to do a mighty work and she is one of the (our) soldiers in this fight. A dear friend of mine used to talk about how when you look at a piece of tapestry, it looks so beautiful on the top, but oftentimes when you turn it over it can look a hot mess. Well, the backside of life may sometimes look and be a hot mess, but Maxine Waters is working hard to make sure the topside of the tapestry comes together beautifully and brilliantly.
Lest we forget. If we are not careful, the hands of time will definitely roll back. We need to support everyone that is trying to make the world a better place and that is willing to stand for justice. As a member of so many women organizations including (but not limited to), the National Council of Negro Women, Black Women for Positive Change, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., #IStandWithMaxine!
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
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