Trying to find the words to describe my thoughts on the meeting at St. Simons Island is like trying to capture the wind. In other words, there are no words to adequately reflect the impact the meeting had on me personally or professionally. However, I will attempt to reflect on my feelings using themes: 1) The Elders Speak; 2) The Experience of the Spirit; 3) The Power of Fellowship Through Song; and 4) The Crafting of An Inspiring Agenda.

The Elders Speak

From the Story Circle to the end of the conference, I was completely engaged in the experiences and words of wisdom from the elders. Although the intermix of their experiences is different, they shared a common message: Black children should be the central focus our mission. Edmund Gordon shared this message in his opening thoughts and in highlighting the book on his life; Frank Bonilla captured this message in his discussion on the global condition of Black folks; Baba Kwame Ishangi interpreted this message when he discussed how we have lost our agenda; Adelaide Sanford provided a clear example of this message through the story of Nurse Ruth (who participated in the infamous syphilis experiment that subjected unknowing Black men, women and children to the ravaging effects of this disease as part of a "scientific" study); Sylvia Wynter reminded us of the importance of this message through discussing the significance of Black Education After "Man"; and Asa Hilliard helped to craft the central focus of the work of the Commission by providing the following theme: Identity and Belonging: Rescuing our Cultural Heritage in Educating Black Children. Our elders clearly demonstrated the importance of heeding the wisdom of those who have been working for years ahead of the curve and sacrificing their places so that those of us coming behind them can benefit.

The Experience of the Spirit

The spirit was clearly present during the heritage tour when we visited Ibo Landing, Christ’s Church and the Slave Hospital at Retreat Plantation. Although there were mixed feelings, just hearing about the experiences of our ancestors reminded me of all that we have overcome as a people, and as Maya Angelou says: . . . .still again we rise. I was also reminded that our people never took all of the time that we think we need to make a plan. They simply said, "We will go to our graves before we will be slaves". Unfortunately, through the formula of slavery that has caused mass "destruction of ourselves as a ‘family’," we have been in the planning process for hundreds of years. For me, the spirit served as a reminder that we must develop concrete steps to salvage Black children. As Elder Sanford stated, "at least we can tell the parents and the children the truth."

The Power of Fellowship Through Song

The fellowship through song healed the broken feelings. The Georgia Sea Island Singers brought a jubilance to our meeting that I have never experienced at such a gathering. The music served to renew and inspire. It was through the music that the individuals attending the meeting became a team. The spirit of cooperation and urgency was apparent during the following morning's meeting. Everyone seemed much more engaged in the planning process, and everyone seemed much more interested in getting to know one another.

The Crafting of An Inspiring Agenda

The evening of song led to the crafting of an inspiring agenda. The development of the agenda is one in which everyone was free to have a voice, which included a genuine spirit of cooperation, and which recognized the importance of the work of the Commission. Building on the theme Elder Hilliard provided, the agenda can and should set a new direction as it relates to the education of Black children everywhere. We should always place up front our cultural heritage in educating our children. As I reflect on our meeting, I believe that was the common consensus of the group. It is coming to that place that had people hugging and kissing upon departure.

For me personally, after undergoing the passing of my mother, the circle we formed as we joined hands to sing the last song reminded me of the importance of keeping the rest of my family circle unbroken. But the circle also had importance for us as a larger family. It was a reminder that as a family of African descendants we should be unbroken. That is the legacy of our ancestors, and we must treat the educational needs of Black children with great urgency, for as long as societies make them feel inferior, we are broken.