Essay excerpts from Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick

African-American culture, as my grandfather would say, is truly a way of life. It includes our morals, what we believe, how and what we teach our children, our relation to one another, and the emphasis we place on God. I was reared in a strong extended family. My father, mother, sisters, brothers, and other relatives taught me that I could accomplish any goal if I worked hard to achieve it. They provided the constant guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love that is the wind beneath my wings and allows me to fly as high as I dare to dream. Because of their support, I have an unshakable confidence in and firm knowledge of, who I am and to whom I belong.  Click here to read more…

OTHER ESSAY EXCERPTS
1. The Family Must Stand – The Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)
22. Soul Survivor – Isaac Hayes
25. Bridging the Divide – Otis Moss
29. Love, Marriage, and Struggle (from With Ossie & Ruby: OTLT) – Ruby Dee
39. Actionable Pride – Cathy Hughes
53. Something Extraordinary, Something Unique: It’s Up to You – Thurbert Baker
54. The Psychology of Beauty – Beverly Johnson