“I still get misty-eyed when I see you on television,
whether you’re putting your arm around the Queen of England so endearing or
tenderly holding hands with a wounded soldier or sick child.”
- Sophia A. Nelson
- Sophia A. Nelson
 |
| Friends for Life |
Hotep,
The above quote has been etched in my mind ever since I
turned the pages of “Black Woman Redefined,” a literary window to the core of
the professional black woman in America.
This particular quote was taken from a scribe written by the author – Ms
Sophia A. Nelson – to the 1st Lady Mrs. Michelle Obama.
I think very high of our 1st Lady. I honestly believe that her personality is
the Novocain to our country’s pain. Her
mere presence alleviates the stress of childhood obesity. And she empathizes with any socio-economically
challenged community, because unlike most 1st Ladies before her,
poverty was not just a topic of discussion.
Feel me?
But, that’s not the reason this quote has left a stain on my
mental. Allow me to exhale: This blog is my voice. To know the Mannofstat, you have to
understand my homegirl, Rochelle. She’s
the prime example of the good that exudes from a union between an enigma and
someone who isn’t afraid to reach out and understand what society may have
written off as unredeemable.
Throughout my years in this box, I’ve been cautiously
selective about who I communicate with, outside of my family circle. Having a pen pal is a predominant option for
a death row prisoner. If a prisoner is
unconcerned that the initial bond to a complete stranger, is predicated on
him/her being a condemned killer, then it can definitely workout for the
best. But see, that’s hard for me to accept,
because I’m nobody’s killer and I don’t care to exchange pleasantries with
someone who believes that I am. Feel me?
Rochelle has been a Godsend. Long before I came to prison,
long before she left her stamp on Corporate America, we shared a platonic
relationship that has the makings of a best-selling novel, but knowing
Rochelle, she’s much too modest to admit that, but I’m not. LOL.
Throughout the last 20 months, Rochelle has introduced me to
the world via the blogosphere. She has
educated me on the ups and downs of being a corporate executive and she’s
helped me to understand the definition of being “career driven.” Her professionalism
is inspiring. No doubt.
It’s been a privilege to see her life, through her eyes. In
April of 2010, Rochelle took me on a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon and
treated me to a champagne brunch on the floor of the Canyon. She’s taken me to board meetings, NAACP galas
and a walk-a0thon to cure breast cancer.
Her recent departure to the grand country of Kenya has given me the
opportunity to see the beauty of “The fourteen falls,” near Thika, a creation
that I had no idea existed. Na mean?
The pain of being inside this box is indescribable. How is it possible for me to believe that I
can make a positive difference in today’s society? Well, the only answer I have is the blessing
of a life-long friendship that has embraced me with the warmth of a Kenyan
sunrise and the diligence of a North Philly go-getter. My Novocain.
Ya heard?
So, here I am, bringing my intent to fruition. Chelle has assisted my career as a writer
and helped me to understand my purpose.
It’s no secret that the 1st Lady has done the same for the 44th
president and look how that turned out.
Feel me?
Thank you for believing in me Rochelle. I’ll appreciate you for today, yesterday and
the many more years to come. Happy
Birthday Ma!!
“Being strong can also be feminine. I don’t think feminine equals week. Being strong is very sexy.”
- Actress Sanaa Lathan
One Love,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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