Celebrating A Birthday: A Time for Reflection and Appreciation

This Columnist is celebrating a birthday on March 14th of this month. I will be celebrating it the entire month. As I observe this birthday, I will reflect on my past achievements and goals for the next year.

I have been blessed to continue to write this column, Eye On History, for the past 45 years. It is the longest running on African and African American History in Western New York. This column has led to sharing Black history in new and varied ways around the Western New York area. This was always my goal from being a classroom teacher in the Buffalo Public schools for over 30 years to many speaking engagements and opportunities to share this column with numerous people. I consider the entire Western New York area my classroom, from Buffalo to the suburbs. I have spoken in Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, Clarence, Amherst, and other places taking my message of history everywhere.

When I ran for Lt. Governor of New York, I took the message of history to the Bronx, Jamaica Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, and Harlem. I took it virtually during the pandemic to many schools, organizations, colleges, and a number of churches.

I was blessed to be able to publish my 13th book in December, 2023. The title of it is “My 45 Year Journey Teaching African and African History in the Home, School, and Community.” It has been very well received and I greatly appreciate the support I have received from all areas of the community. As I reflect on the honors and awards that I have received I know that it is all due to the Many Blessings of God.

Every day I say positive affirmations for these many blessings. I always include the following bible verse, Psalm 118: 24 which says: “This is the Day the Lord has made, Let us Rejoice and Be Glad in It.” The Second bible verse that I say is from Philippians 4:13 that says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This is a belief in the power of Faith that provides strength to overcome the challenges in life. As I celebrate this birthday month, I am reminded that God is the Center of all that is Good. I am thankful to see another birthday. To God Be the Glory for His Many Blessings!!