Changing Our Narrative
By: Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman
We have all been told that a picture is worth a thousand words. As this Kodak moment was captured of my one-year-old niece gazing at family photos on the wall, I cannot help but wonder what words are stirring in her mind. Is she counting the number of times she sees herself in the photos or trying to identify the familiar faces? One thing is for sure, these pictures have captured memories for a lifetime that she will grow to cherish as time progresses. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have lost loved ones that have left holes in their hearts that will never be filled. However, it is my hope that the pictures taken will freeze that time and place of memories of those loved ones lost. They can be embraced at any time with just a glimpse of a photo. Some people take those special events for granted: the unannounced visits, the long walks, the dinners for two, and playing in the park until that moment when they have to pull out a photo that has been tucked away to remind them how important that time actually means today.
As I fast forward into my niece’s life 10 years from now, she will be sitting in a history class looking at this photo having a class discussion. I cannot help but wonder what thoughts will be running through her mind as she sees the nation’s capital being terrorized by individuals who happen to be our American brothers and sisters. Would she question her democracy? Would she no longer wish to be an American? Would she be in fear of her life when walking back into the streets of her neighborhood? What words would come to her mind as she reflects on knowing that her parents witnessed these acts on their TV screen? Is this a picture she would want to pull out and remember? Sometimes the actions that are captured within that moment should be negatives never developed into photos. These are actions that will bring harm to others and demolish the peace and love many parents desire to instill in their children. We know that every day will not be in harmony, but for what it is worth is it not our responsibility to develop the pictures we wish to capture and the memories we wish to cherish? As a 48-year-old woman, this picture frightens me and I am not certain if the neighbors who speak to me daily represent the same individuals standing on the walls, sitting on the steps, or holding the flags.
My niece is now 21 with a trunk full of new pictures and she just graduated from college, full of ambition and has the entire world ahead of her. She sees this article and the picture of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black Asian female Vice President of the United States reminding her that she can accomplish anything she sets her heart and mind to. The foremothers before her have broken glass ceilings, cried many tears, and soaked up quite a few blouses in sweat to preserve the opportunities that will forever continue. It is now her time to become a Water Walker. She will be the first of many Kodak moments captured for other children to admire and to gather those same thoughts as they glance at the many accomplishments of those before them and to come. It is my hope that as she adventures into this next decade, she will hold dear the memories of the photos on the wall, and never stop collecting those digital or hardcopy photos that will one day tell her story.
