By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Writer
And Jesus wept. These are very sobering words from the Bible, which remind us that there is no shame in crying.
Late last month, I conducted a three-hour workshop, focusing on the plight of Black students in our educational system.
Subsequently I attended a function, with over 700 people from various cultural, racial and religious groups, to launch the celebration of Black History Month, which was sanctioned by the federal government, through the auspices of Dr. Jean Augustine, while she served in the Canadian parliament.
These two occasions forcefully reminded me that Blacks have shed so many tears to lift ourselves from slavery, to where we are today. I am also mindful that along the way, there were people of different races, who assisted us in our efforts to move on, and that there are others, today, who are also crying.
A family, from Syria, reminded me that students in their family are being called terrorists, and are being physically attacked at school. I understood their pain.
My plea is that our tears should not prevent us from assisting others, who are also hurting: Black mothers; the unemployed; those facing hostile work environments; parents and teachers competing with the internet; confused parents, as well as many facing negative responses, because they dare to speak up for others.
Go forth this week, remembering that it is okay to cry — because even Jesus wept.
In sisterhood!
Award-winning Ettie Rutherford, B.Ed, Dip.Ed, M.Ed, is an educator, life coach, consultant and author of “Why Perch Like A Chick When You Can Soar Like An Eagle?”. An accomplished public speaker, Ettie is the Founder and CEO of Women Are Worthy, which provides step-by-step strategies for women to achieve their goals, with a minimum amount of stress. She can be reached at ettie@womenrworthy.com.
