Celebrating the Extension of our Voice- Celebrating Sister and Friend
We began the week celebrating the women that move from their spiritual center.
Yesterday we celebrated Black Female Poets, Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez. Here are some of the words from these amazing women.
“When I dare to be powerful to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” Audre Lorde
“We love because it is the only true adventure” Nikki Giovanni
“In order to be a true revolutionary, you must understand love. Love, Sacrifice and Death” Sonia Sanchez
“Now you understand, Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about, or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, ‘Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.” Maya Angelou
Today we bring you closer to our circle. We introduce to you the women who are an extension of my voice. It has been a wonderful blessing to share the everyday woman that makes history with you and in continuing this celebration; I celebrate my sister Michele Modestin McCray and my dear friend Veena Mayani.
I always share with others, “Every family should have a Michele.” As young kids, my brother and I always felt protected by my sister. Anyone that tried to hurt us in any way form eventually faced Michele. Her commitment to us to our family was known and admired…
I celebrate my sister today because at the age of 16 with the passing of my mother, Michele took her role more seriously. We had the love of our father, uncle and aunts but once again, Felix and I knew we would be ok because Michele was there.
That protective spirit has guided her to become an amazing mother. My sister has my mother’s internal strength and my aunts cooking grace. I celebrate the woman that is the strongest force in my family. The woman who cares for family, the sister, the mother, the friend. My sister is my sounding voice, my fire when it is dimmed. Sis, you are phenomenal! Thank you for being there.
The other person we celebrate today is my dear friend Veena Mayani. I walked into a new six grade classroom not knowing who I would be friends with and immediately connected with Veena. I have had the pleasure of calling her my friend since that day. Like all friendships, we have had many different stages but we have landed in a place where our families celebrate our friendship and we know we are there for each other, no matter what.
In developing Encuentro Diaspora Afro, Veena has been there every step. Encuentro’s vision and mission was developed with Veena. Veena has since become our grant writer. Yes, this South Asian Panamanian Woman has been the extension of my voice. I am always moved that Veena captures what I am saying in such a clear and accurate way.
When Mrs. Mayani passed away a few years ago, I realized that our friendship carried meaning with our parents and our siblings. I was not able to be there for Veena and the family. I called my father and he immediate said, I will be there for you and he was. I also celebrate Mrs. Mayani for her kind spirit and warm smile that always made me feel welcomed.
I celebrate Veena as an intelligent, strong loving woman who always seeks to make the connection with others and who as a friend, makes me reach for more. I celebrate her as one of the women of Encuentro Diaspora Afro. Thanks Veena for being there and supporting my search.
Familia, today give thanks to the women in your circle. Celebrate the history they are making every day.
peace and blessings,………….Yvette
