I told someone the other day, that sometimes I felt like I had a wagon strapped to my back like Harriet Tubman. They did not know what I was talking about. Do you? I was mesmerized by the movie “A Woman Called Moses,” starring Cicely Tyson, when I was a child.
The most haunting scene was when the slave master told Harriet she “looked mighty fancy today” then ordered her to pull a wagon on her back because the mule had run away. He said she was stronger than that mule. I watched with tears streaming down my face as Harriet/ Cicely clawed at the ground and pulled that wagon all while a crowd on onlookers smiled and clapped in amusement, but those that were like her, felt her pain.
The slave master said, “You’re going to thank me for giving you this opportunity.”
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE SO MANY OF US HEARD THAT STATEMENT FROM AN “EMPLOYER” WHO THINKS THAT THEY CAN WORK YOU TO THE BONE BECAUSE THEY “GAVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY”….Not talking about my current situation. Because I am a WOMAN IN CONTROL NOW…But I have stared foolish folks in the eye before who thought I owed them something..when in fact, I earned everything I have because I am one of the hardest working women I know…but yet and still, they thought this “poor little black mother” was in need of a handout..instead of a hand-up.
Do we know the difference? People who work hard for what they have don’t need “handouts,” but they may sometimes need a hand up..which is just the opportunity to reach their greatest potential. And guess what, they owe you NOTHING! It’s a give and take situation. You provide services to your employer, and they provide you with a check..and in turn, the product keeps growing and growing and growing. And we all, owe each other NOTHING BUT A MUTUAL RESPECT!
In the old days, they would have called me an “Uppity Negra wench,” today, they just call me “Bi$#@” and dig through photos on my social media. Yes, I heard, but I just laugh and continue to work..and continue to give back to those who need a helping hand up..without wanting anything in return.
That’s the cycle of this great thing called CAREERS .. and when we understand that..we will all have great LIVES OF OUR OWN.
Now, back to the wagon on the back. Take a look at this clip from the movie “A Woman Called Moses.” Fast forward to 51 minutes in and hear him tell her to strap that wagon on her back..and tell her “You’re going to thank me for giving you this opportunity.” I bet the only words you will say after that is “Damn.”
Educate yourselves, educate your children and educate the young ones around you. It takes a village to raise a child..and it took ONE WOMAN called Moses..to get the courage to free herself and others after she pulled that wagon, and removed it from her back, then ran away with her dress all dirty. Once again, WATCH THE CLIP.. Fast forward to 51:00 minutes.
