image by John Hain

“There is nothing more despicable
than respect based on fear.”
– Albert Camus, Philosopher

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In every culture, on every level there is a line that need not be crossed. It is not written, rarely stated and never etched in sand, but simply taken for granted – or discarded – that regardless of our differences there is still respect of man; a reverence of one another, as an extension of oneself. Not necessarily on a spiritual level nor from a lineage perspective, but a sense of knowing, that we are all in this world together. Rather rich or poor, black or white, christian or muslim, that indeed, we are our brothers keeper.

As human beings, we are full of uncontrolled emotions. We may laugh one minute, then without notice, breakdown and cry. We allow rage to overcome us, to blow an everyday situation, way out of proportion. We may covet our best friend’s rise in stature and fame, although we truly want to be happy for their success. Yet when these feelings pass, we dismiss the occurrence as simply awakening on the wrong side of the bed. But what if we sought to understand our emotions, rather than suffocating them in a time-controlled box. What if we stood back, after an out-of-nowhere emotional meltdown, and required answers from ourself, as to what turns us from civil, peaceful people… into ticking time bombs.

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F.U.W.
by Jussie Smollett

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The Power of Respect is Free
written & edited by Kendall F. Person

In the early 1920’s, the deep south in the United States was not just a racially segregated place, but fostered a bewildering belief system, that a man or woman could be judged simply by the color of their skin. Black Americans’ pursuit of higher learning was limited and inferior, and yet still ridiculed as being uneducated and foolish. Subject of medicinal experiments, without their consent or knowledge, and unwelcomed in the sanctity of most white churches, yet decry, that black Americans were heathens. But the systematic discrimination was not the catalyst that would lead to the Civil Rights Movement, inequality was simply everyday life, and while the cause would become known as a fight for freedom, in actuality, what lit the fuse was being unable and unwilling to further withstand the crippling humiliation of being disrespected as human beings.

Eldridge Cassidy (right) Hope Arkansas

Some changes in behavior take generations to unlearn. Many structural inequities require acts of government legislation to overturn. While most of our formal history lessons revolve around wars, turmoil and hardships, not everyone living in  the deep south had to wait for laws to pass to conform or understand – all men deserve to be treated like men.

Eldridge and Edith Cassidy owned a small store in Hope Arkansas – a typical southern town steeped in bigotry with blacks and whites living on opposite sides of the tracks. While most white-owned businesses would not even conduct a money-changing transaction with their fellow black citizen, The Cassidy’s sold goods and gave credit to citizens of all races, respecting them as customers and people who were trying to raise and nurture families, just like them. They would, by their actions as much as by their words, and without knowing or intent, pass down a legacy of respect and kindness, that would one day be felt across the land. When The Cassidy’s grandson was elected the 42nd President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton proudly presented a cabinet and inner circle of a stunning diversity and reflection of a nation’s best and brightest people, never seen in the Executive Chamber prior (and eclipsed only by President Obama).

The Obama Cabinet 2009

We are an ever evolving species. Each decade brings new creations, that alter how we live and how we think. We will continue to face struggles and challenges, they will never go away, and we will continue to have disagreements and differences of opinion, as individuals, free will always holds sway. But if we understand the importance of dealing with our own emotions, we become better equipped to maintain calm, even if we live in the eye of the storm.

Mr. Cassidy’s place in history has been cemented by his lessons in commerce and decency, but the true symbol of his legacy…. is that the power of respect is free.

April 7, 2017 World Health Day spotlights ‘Depression’

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April 23 -28 The Neighborhood’s
2nd Annual Mental Health Week