The Night I Was In Love...

You can't imagine my thrill.

Playing Catch up....

A lot of things occured during this hiatus, my birthday, my babydaddy, my black president.

I spent my birthday in New York once again and this time my buddy Lance (bloggin ass blogger without a blog) had the opportunity to escort my fellow cast mates around beautiful NYC...


I don't know if I had the opportunity to tell you guys this, but you really made my birthday special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for celebrating my "Sweet 16x2+2"

Sidenote: I would also like to thank the random white guy that got caught up in buying my drinks.



It took me some time to even fathom this trade. Un-flippin-believable. My heart hearts because of this trade. I was recently watching a Pistons game thinking: "oh, he looks so good on the court"


In other news: Pistons with AI 0-2; Denver with Chauncey 2-0
I quit this bytch. Seriously.

Ladies and gentleman, I will now introduce the President of the United States. Barack Obama!!!!


I voted y'all and it felt great!!

I just voted. I prayed, cried and laid hands on my ballot feeling chills, jubilation, amazement, hope and gratitude. I felt the past, present and future all at the same time converging in one small ballot booth! Thank you God. Thank you to all my ancestors and civil rights leaders and unknown faces who died, marched, struggled, sat in jail and worked tirelessly with their tenacity and audacity to hope and believe in this wonderful day. This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us pray it forward for divine right action to overcome confusion, complacency, hatred, procrastination or trickery in this election.

~ Jewel Diamond Taylor

don't start trippin WHEN HE WINS

Myspace Graphics

To keep the peace and keep a lot of folks from getting nervous, I think we should develop a list of acceptable celebrations and behaviors we should probably avoid - at least for the first few days:

1 . No crying, hugging or shouting 'Thank you, Lord' - at least not in public.

2 . No high-fives - at least not unless the area is clear and there are no witnesses.

3. No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters.

4. No calling in sick on November 5th. They'll get nervous if too many of us don't show up.

5. We're allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in passing. Just try to keep from grinning too hard.

6. No singing loudly, 'We've Come This Far By Faith'(it WILL be acceptable to hum softly

7. No bringing barbeque ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the company lunchroom for at least a week(no chitterlings AT ALL! This may make us seem too ethnic.)

8. No leaving Kool-aid packages at the water fountain.

9. No Cupid Shuffle during breaks(this could indicate a little too much excitement.)

10. Please no Moving On Up music (we are going to try to remain humble.)

11. No grits, chicken & waffles and half & half for breakfast in the office

12. No Obama Shuffle on the back parking lot or down the hall to the conference room.

13. No singing loudly..."Ain't No stopping Us now"

14. No block parties circling the perimeter of the White House

If I've missed anything, feel free to add to the list. I just want to make sure we're all on the same page when Obama brings this thing home on November 5th. Now let's make this thing happen!!

Titties! Boobies! Sweater Puppets!

Hey everyone!

Along with celebrating my birthday this month we need to stop for a moment and celebrate the breasts!!!! I have provided a link where all you have to do is click and it helps educated and provide mammograms for those who can't afford one.

This time next year will be my exciting 35th birthday, and I will get my very first mammogram! Ive been excited about this proceedure since I was about 27. I don't know why, its just part of that love/hate relationship that i have with my own mammaries.

The Breast Cancer Site is proud to be partnered with the nonprofit National Breast Cancer Foundation in its mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and providing mammograms for those in need.

Make sure you click the link for someone to have the education, and boobies squished they women need it.

my only McInsane blog post..ever

The best part of this video doesn't occur until 3:40 of the video. It shows what McCain actually did after he suspended his campaign.

Have I ever told you how much I love the Daily Show????

Obama Rally - North Carolina

the BEAST!

Lately I've been getting my fitness on, doing something aerobic at the minimum of five times a week. I've been doing really good too, losing a total of 13 lbs., perhaps within the last two in a half months.

One would think that I'm doing it to feel better, and to look better but that could be the furthest from the truth. I had gotten into a rut where I really didn't care. I enjoyed eating. What happened was I got a physical and it was determined that I am a full blown diabetic. The doctor told me that I was too young for him to feed me poison and was sure that if I lost the pounds this whole diabetes thing would go away. Upon learning this diagnosis I became very angry and depressed upon the notion of having this disease. I hated knowing that I would be deprived of the very thing that gave me comfort within my loneliness in this city I would never call home. The idea pissed me off royally because it was another thing in my life I had to deal with when I would rather ignore.

My doctor made me go to a few classes on understanding diabetes and enlisted a registered dietitian to put me on track. This RD was a Navy bulldog that talked too loud and gave me a headache every time I met with him. I did learn a few things, like reading labels and relearning how to grocery shop. Soon the lifestyle began to change. When I went into the doctors office for a second checkup, I had already lost 7 lbs and my blood pressure was "outstanding" according to the nurse. My doctor gave me an A+ report. He told me as long as I continued my routine I could avoid the drugs, which our primary goal. I was eating healthier and my sugar levels began to be under my control. Not perfect, but in control. I figured eventually, if it got waaay out of control the loss of a foot could prevent me from wearing my bangin' shoes and boots. The alternative no longer became an option.

All of that leads me to today. About two weeks ago I joined the YMCA because the gym in my condo was no longer challenging me. I wanted to step my game up but when I joined the Y, I then turned around and filled out a cancellation notice to end November 15. My thoughts are that by Thanksgiving...its going to be a WRAP! Seriously, I would have improved my condition by my next doctors visit. Okay so for the past two weeks I've been eyeing this machine:

It is the Nautilus TreadClimber, I have been intimidated to say the least. One reason is because I don't walk straight and all kinds of foolishness runs through my mind about getting a shoe lace caught and falling on my arse. You see with this thing, as you step you are also climbing on an incline at the same damn time. I see people on it and it looked easy enough. Today I decided not to punk out, because another guy was on my treadmill that is hidden in a corner with a nice view of the city. When I finally got my coordination into gear, I immediately became winded! Like, I can't talk winded. It only had been a minute in a half. In three minutes I was sweating and burning calories faster that I thought could be possible in three minutes. When I got to five minutes I was ready to quit because that pang in my side started appear. THIS THING IS A BEAST!!!! I can't stop, wont stop... uhh, uhh no.
At six minutes (Dougie Fresh) I put my hands on the pads to check my heart rate. No it didn't say 161,162,163....162. I knew then that I was at my maximum heart rate. In six minutes!!! Are you kidding me???? I was looking around look to see if anybody could see that I was about to die. Nope, everybody including myself were into their iPods.

Oh, I didn't mention that I was only going at a rate of 3.0 with an incline of 3.5. On a traditional treadmill, I've gotten to a walking pace of 3.5 with a 3.5 incline, only to burn around 68 calories in 15 minutes. But on this BEAST I was barely moving and burned 68 calories in 6 minutes and my heart about to explode out of my chest. I thought, "Sheletha, just get to 15 minutes. You can get on the other treadmill for 30 minutes to finish your cardio." I agreed with myself and pressed on to 15 minutes on the BEAST!

In my iPod I have a 15 minute exercise play list...I was so happy when I got to my last song which is Marvin Sapps "Praise Him In Advance" And oh how I was praising Him as I was counting down the last minute and a half. Sapp's crescendo was the icing on the cake to finish that BEAST!

In the end I was more than a conqueror completing my fifteen minutes, 210 calories burned and I was astonished as I realized I didn't even complete a mile. Another day, another goal.

As of now I look like this:

Don't Miss It

Diamonds can be overlooked seen as a piece of rock. The same is true for opportunities.

An opportunity can be overlooked by the untrained eye or the person not determined enough to discover and seek success. Are you sitting on your assets? Are you asking for help, customers, love, money, a job, a car or a new place to live, but feel you are at a dead end?

Resources, people and ideas are all around you. Once you become focused and motivated, you will turn over every stone. You will seek answers, customers, referrals and support from unfamiliar places. Don't miss an opportunity because you misjudge a person or an organization.

Are you allowing fear, clutter, depression, frustration or procrastination to keep you in a stronghold of inactivity? Your faith, intelligence, past experiences, courage, willingness, self-esteem, creativity and persistence are your assets.

Don't minimize your strengths.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Ask for the business.

Ask for the sale. Ask for the loan/grant/scholarship. Ask for the job.

Ask for support.

Take positive action today to experience relief and results in your life. Do not sit on your assets.

There is something about him...I'm not sure what it is, but a man with dreadlocks is my current obsession.

Don't get me wrong, I still love a cut close fresh fade, or straight-up, clean bald head to palm in my hand. But those natural locks have been catching my eye as of late.

I'm not talking about the ganja smokin, gin drinkin type dude with dreads. His are almost repulsive because his hair reeks of smoke and the last thing he killed and ate.

I'm thinking of that chocolate brotha...clean and sophisticated. Hair that smells of natural juices and berries, cared for in the most special way.

Is he as sensual as my mind makes him out to be?

Is he artistic and cultured as the next Renaissance man?

Does he have the strength of a modern day Samson?

Is he gentle, yet strong?

Is he patient and kind?

Oh how I just want to hug him with his arms around my waist and his hair falling in my face with my senses overloaded by his undeniable masculinity.

I don't know him, but I see him, either in a custom made suit or t-shirt and jeans. Walking around town or the mall. I'm amazed that he can't hear my quickened heartbeat when he comes near. This man moooooooves me to think naughty, nasty, freaky things.

This epitome of a man doesn't even know I exist. It's okay, because one day...I may get me my own luscious-lipped dreaded black man, until then I'll fantasize from afar.

Have a great day....

Good morning. A positive attitude has nothing to do with what happens to
you. Its what you do with, and how you react to, what happens to you!!
Your humor, internal belief system, and your ability to look at things
from a different perspective. That's the key to a positive attitude!
Stuck in traffic, NO PROBLEM! Turn on the radio and laugh! Its all how
you look at life! Have a happy week! :-)

Never would have paid it

This is sooo crazy, I had to post it. Make sure you see the real post below.

Pause Click Pause Click

Hey I know its been a while since you have seen something I have written, sorry I really haven't been motivated as of late. But I would give you the wonderful, fabulous me as I play in some of my clothes and shoes. Yeah, I know real shallow...but whatever, this is what you get! Some deep stuff might come later.

What's been going on with me in the last few months??? Nothing really. I work and I come home. I've been working out lately, due to doctors orders. What started as a routine check up ended up as being a precursor to diabetes interrupting my life. So now I must begin a dramtic lifestyle change. I know its going to be for the best of my health and also change the way I look, which is something to look forward to, but its the process man! It has taken some time to change my attitude about it and get with the flippin program. I don't like it, but I'm going to do it.

I have made some progress on my goals for the year. I did my taxes on time, found a doctor, and still on the hunt for a church home. Somethings are on delay. I'll get to them eventually.

I've grown my hair...its still on the short side but its definately longer than what I'm used to. It seems as if every fifth person has a short and sassy look to them. It's all very cute, but I get exhausted looking at my head on other peoples bodies. So with that there came change. Again I don't like the process of growing it out, but I'm doing it anyway. I even started taking prenatal pills to help it along. Its doing something.

I havent been back to Michigan since February. My plan is to head back home at the end of July. We'll see what happens then...

Love life??? non-exsistant. I've met some people only to not see them again (or in some cases, not at all). I don't know what that is all about. I'm not going down the road of negative self talk, so I'll end that sentence right there.

My feelings about da 'boro are still the same. However, going back to Michigan again isn't an option. It's more of doing what I have to do to be self sufficient and an intense longing for comfort and security. I really don't know what it will take for me to like being here, so accepting it is the only alternative. Ironically, many people from Michigan that I know from college are making their way to the south. I learned that from FaceBook.

Living the Legacy of Love

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

Laughing Through My Tears

It took me a minute to be able to write this, but I finally can without the waterworks. Well, at least I think. Tragic thing is, as soon as I think Im ready I get another blow...earlier today my mothers sister passed away. It hasn't been no more than sixty days since my daddy has been gone. I even find myself still crying about that loss, and now this. Rest Peacefully Aunt Cora.

Another funeral. Another mourning, and prolly some more laughs. When my daddy passed away the comedy didn't stop, which is the reason of this post. I found myself at times laughing through my tears.

My sister number two and I had the duty of picking out my daddy's burial suit. The people at the funeral home wanted everything. I mean everything undershirt, underwear, and socks included. I still can't understand why all that is needed. Sister #2 thought it would be funny to get the silky boxers that we knew he hated. Daddy was really old school, for him nothing but Fruit of the Looms would do. We started playing scenarios of Daddy haunting her about those drawls. It got loonier and loonier as we kept coming up with facts and examples. I picked some boxer briefs that one of us daughters had bought him that he never even took out of the package.

We are going through his closet finding suit after suit, not really agreeing or disagreeing but wondering if it would fit him, until we both came to the realization of "does it really matter????" Sister #2 was even going to request taking some of him out just to make his pants fit. Silly I know.

Sister #1 was responsible of putting as much of the program together as she could. Mommah had made the request of having Marvin Sapp's song Never Would Have Made It be played during the family hour. Well, Sister #2 questioned if we ever heard the lyrics of the song, setting her position as "well, he (my daddy) didn't make it, oh and the i would have lost my mind...well, he (my daddy)had Alzheimer's." I conceded because the rationale was so funny.

Okay so you know during the funeral I'm all broke up in the grieving process. I really wasn't prepared to see my daddy lying in that casket. My church assigned me with my own personal "amour bearer" (for the lack of a better word) and she kept giving me bottles of water to help comfort me. Well, of course during the middle of the service I had to pee LAM!!!! I leaned into my sister #1 and tell her my situation. She's like, "Can't you hold it???" I said, "I have been." I felt like I was going to explode. My saving grace was when my mommah got up to leave the sanctuary, so I pretended like I was going to watch after her and headed straight to the potty. Lo and behold, she was on her way to the restroom too! I was running, trying not to slip in my stellar shoes that I had just purchase a couple of weeks before. Church people came after us making sure we were okay, it was a small clamour of chaos...I assured them I was fine, for that moment.

My daddy was a veteran and influenced my cousin to go into the military after college. She swears that it was the best thing for her to do, she's high ranking and settled all because of Daddy. The most sentimental part of the whole day was when she presented the United States flag to my mommah after his twenty-one gun salute. I kinda lost it then too. But what messed me up was that later that night she told me that she forgot to pack enough panties (she was rushing to get to Michigan) and since the day started out so early she couldn't get any new ones. I said, "you saluted my daddy going commando???? tha nerve!!" I laughed so hard I pooted.

So now I have to go through all of this again for my aunt. My family will surely provide me with some laughs for all to enjoy at a later time. Im tired now, if I have your number more than likely I will be calling more than Im blogging. I'll see you when Im looking at you...

What ever happend to....

CANDYMAN?????

This is a str8 up throwback. I've been thinking about this song for weeks, and I thought I would see if you all remember this cat and his song 'knockin boots.' I believe I was in the 8th grade when this song came back.

G'head bob ya head...

Maximize Your Singleness

Believe me when I say: This is ministering to me.

Matt. 6:33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. NLT
Being single is not a curse, it's a blessing. You must realize that while you are single, you can do more for the Kingdom of God than you can while you are married. You answer to God alone and you can move and go as you please. Paul was teaching how good it is to be married, but how much better it is to be single for a season of growth. Plus, as a single, you can focus on finding God and your purpose without having to please God and a spouse. This is a time for you to move into your calling and then find or be found by that special person that fits into the plan of God for your life. But if you don't know God's plan for you, then you are dangerous to others and you should not even consider marriage! Allow God to use you before you begin to pray for a spouse.
Serve God while you are single and realize that it is an opportune time to grow in him.
Tips to being an empowered single Christian in 2008:
- Don't hang out with married people all the time!!! (that will only make you feel odd and long for a partner)
- Stop listening to, reading, and watching movies, books, videos, and music that promote sex and sexual relations. (you don't need that)
- Seek the Kingdom of God by reading the word, praying for others, and being active in your fellowship.
- Be careful in developing relationships with the opposite sex. (if you aren't ready to marry, don't get close!)
- Pick your friends carefully. Don't hang around folks that are deadbeats and aren't going anywhere in life. (surround yourself with people that are already where you are trying go! That will only boost your drive!)
- Don't settle! (if he or she isn't sent from God to you then don't accept it! if you do, you may find yourself lowering your standards for the sake of love. that's a big mistake! )
- Spend time investing in yourself. While you are single, you can do this and not be selfish. Take advantage of that.
- Learn who you are in Christ and appreciate who he made you to be.
- Don't listen to negative talk about youself, but know in your heart how special you are to God and how special you will be to someone in the future. Anyone that does not consider you special does not deserve your friendship or your time.

Obama Hype and Movies

I'm sad because Obama is in my proximity and I can't go!!! He's having a Town Hall meeting today in Greensboro and they only gave away 2000 tickets...Unbelievable, I tried everything in my might to get these tickets to no avail. Okay...moving on. (If he shows up at the N&R, I'll let you know!)


Summer Movies of 2008 that I'm looking forward to seeing:

IronMan - May 2


Wall-E June,27

He kinda reminds me of Number 5 from Short Circuit.

I think it would be nice....

Wouldn't it be nice to have a Black first lady and two young, intelligent, well-behaved Black girls in the White House?

Wouldn't it be nice to see those young girls grow up to be decent young ladies?

Think about it, how many other candidates (in either party) have school aged children?

Wouldn't it be nice to see some inner city kids playing on the White Houselawn during the Easter Egg Roll?

Wouldn't it be nice to see a high ranking Black person finally at the table, but not just at the table -at the HEAD of the table?

Wouldn't it be nice to see a Black family bring multicultural traditionsto the White House?Wouldn't it be nice to see a Black woman on HGTV or any other show giving a tour of the White House during the holidays - showing the decorations on the Christmas trees and explaining the meaning behind her holiday theme?

Wouldn't it be nice to see more Black people being entertained in the Rose Garden?

Wouldn't it be nice to see a photo of young Black children in the Oval Office for Take Your Child to Work Day?

Wouldn't it be nice and ironic to have a Black person create and own a Presidential library, especially when most people like to say that Black people don't read?

Wouldn't you be curious to go to DC for a change and actually considertaking a White House tour?

Wouldn't it be nice to see more Black people all across the country do the same?

Wouldn't you be proud to hear them play Here Comes The Chief for a Black person for a change?Wouldn't it be nice to see the Armed Forces salute a Black Commander-in-Chief?

Wouldn't it be nice to see someone who looks like us taking the oath of office on the White House steps, giving a State of the Union Address, giving weekly radio addresses, and signing things into law with the Presidential pen?

Maybe it's just me that I've never dreamt for anything this big but isn't it nice to know that someone else has?

Wouldn't it feel good to make that Dream come true?

What if it were you or your family, wouldn't it be nice to know that someone would vote for you if they had the Opportunity ?

Some people ask the question why - I'm saying why not?

The world is looking at us, wondering if what we will do when we're presented an opportunity of a lifetime. They will be wondering whether we are really ready for our situation to change, even a little bit? Regardless if you are a democrat or republican, just something to think about as a black person....Everyone,I realize that some folks are supporting Hillary Clinton and if you areyou need to read this. Barack Obama inspired me to pass this on to you. To me he is a strong black man who, in the face of setbacks growing up, pushed on with the support of a strong black woman who is 100% behind him. Together they are making history. This is the America I want to live in. This is what our families should be like!, and can be like.

This is also circulating and you may find it of interest. I am not the author. Many black folks in America talk hesitantly about voting for Barack Obama in the primaries and caucuses. But here are a few things to consider: Sports among other things, is a microcosm of the mentality of society. Recently, the NFL has mandated teams to interview at least one qualified Minority candidate for each opening. Every NFL owner signed off on it. 'Qualified' head coaches are plucked from the ranks of offensive and defensive coordinators. Look around, no one is promoting black offensive or defensive coordinators...in pros or college. In effect it nullifies the opportunity altogether. When Kareem dominated the game, the college basketball leaders outlawed dunking. Yes, it's true. As Tiger Woods blazed the trail, the golf governors sought to 'Tiger-proof' golf courses. Obama's big break came during his Democratic National Convention speech. Rest assured, he will be the last black person to get that kind ofnational stage if it follows the same pattern as sports.

Not my child, not my grandchild, not yours either. Many of us say America isn't ready to vote him in yet. I wonder, is he the best guy for the job or am I interested in him onlybecause he's black? His opponent being a woman is suddenly enough, so is being black any less dignifying? Maybe, maybe not. However, 20-30 years from now, we'll have to tell our grandkids why we voted the way we did. How will we justify it then when sports have taught us that the field will be changed almost immediately as soon as a black person rises to the pinnacle? So if not now, it's not a question of when. The answer may be NEVER.

Twenty or thirty years from now some of us will answer to Emmitt Till,Medgar Evers, Martin, Malcolm and GOD himself in heaven as to why we passed up this opportunity. GOD will remind us that HE gave us the story of Joshua and Caleb and the lack of self-determination and self-worth that lead to 40 years of wilderness when the promised land was a hill away. GOD may ask us: Didn't your great grandfathers die for this chance? Didn't your grandparents pray for this chance? Didn't you hope and dream of this chance? I heard your prayers, sorrows, and cries. Didn't I give you the chance? Why after 400 years of bondage, would you Reason with yourself to pass it up? Did you not understand it was less about you and more about ME? He may say, 'I gave you the chance but you wanted complete certainty, a guarantee that it was okay now. Check it out. I never work that way.'

You Kept Me

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, but GOD
KEPT
me sane.
(Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, but the LORD
KEPT
me moving.
(Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to las h out at those whom I felt had done me
wrong, but the LORD
KEPT
my mouth shut.
(Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to
KEEP
the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid,
etc.
(Matt. 6:25-34)

When I thought I would fall, HE
KEPT
me up. When I thought I was weak, HE KEPT
me strong!
(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

Praise the Lord and pass the filet mignon! I'm Blessed to be
KEPT!
Are you, or do you know a
KEPT
Woman?

If so pass it on to her to let her know she is KEPT,
OR
just keep it for yourself!

Either way, YOU SHALL BE BLESSED.

An Open Letter to Obama from Toni Morrison

Im going to continue my theme of edifying Barack Obama as our Democratic candidate for presidency. Even if you don't share in the same sentiments you would have to agree that this public endorsement by Toni Morrison, who first set the notion that Bill Clinton was the first black president, is clearly phenomenal. If you haven't seen it take a look:

**************

Dear Senator Obama,

This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.
May I describe to you my thoughts?

I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."

In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.
When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?

Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.

There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.

Good luck to you and to us.

Toni Morrison