Today, May 19, I was capture by an elder Queen, in the African community. She reminded me of my Aunt Pearl, and the conversation we would have about African American leaders, specifically about Malcolm X. I always listened to my Aunt, my grandfather, my grandmother and anyone who spoke about Black equality. I never turned away from their truth and their knowledge, which made me the man I am today. I live on the backs and the fight of my ancester, to live a life of equility.

This Queen reminded me of Thanksgiving at my Grandmothers, listening to my uncles' and my father talk about what was changing, and what was not changing in the neighborhood. "WhatŐs the Black church doing? What were the politicians and our leaders doing?" More so, I would hear, "what was the community doing"?

This Queen that captured me, captured me with her heartŐs conviction that spoke her truth. As she spoke, I heard my ancestors speak to me. They echoed her pain, her concerns, and her judgment. Her voice was her history etching itself in the minds of those that were listening. In her, was our freedom of choice, to be able to stand where Malcolm X was shoot-down. But more than that, she voiced her concerns about our legacy.

Until today, this unsung Queen, that captured me, held a mirror in front of her audience as she spoke. If you saw your reflection, you saw the revolutionary in you, the change maker, and you saw yourself worth. She asked a question in her speech, if you listen closely, you will know what it is.

I ask that you watch this video about this Queen who captured me, and held me in the bosom of her words, and filled me with the love of her emotions. I employ you, to listen. I urge you, to share. I ask that you respond to this Queen that captured me so eloquently through the story of her life.

Kori Raishon