LIBERTY, January 18, 2007 – Houston is a world-class city and has been for a long time. Houston is a city of immigrants and is perhaps the most culturally diverse large city in the nation. Its diversity makes it a rich place in which to experience life, learn and live.

In the late seventies and early eighties our nation faced the economic collapse of the rust belt in the northern states. People affected by this economic disaster came to Houston in droves. At the time there were so many U-Haul Vans parked in parking lots all over Houston that had been driven there from the rust belt states, U-Haul was paying people to drive them north from where they had come.

Houston welcomed these economic immigrants with open arms as they have done with so many others. These people were attempting to escape economic hardship and build better lives and that’s what they did.

Houston and Mayor Bill White did it again, much to the greater long-term benefit of the city. People fleeing the natural disaster of Katrina came to Houston and Houston welcomed them. Many disagreed with this decision but it
was the right thing to do.

We all heard about the troublemakers who came because they are the ones who attract the most attention. But for every one of those, there were many, many others, who sought a better life, a roof over their head and an opportunity to work and create a better life in Houston. Many fleeing the devastating effects of Katrina and having nothing to return to, came, found jobs, started businesses and now contribute to the economic engine of Houston.

Houston by in large because it is a city of immigrants, is full of working people. It’s been said, that an idle mind is the Devil’s workshop but few people in Houston are idle. They’re working to create better lives and have little time for the hatred and racism sometimes found in more isolated places.

Some in our own communities with little to do or accomplish, largely without purpose, host Confederate Parties at their homes on Dr. Martin Luther King Day for themselves and their friends.

Some only think to write hate filled comments that weren't appropriate even 40 years ago and others never offer a hand up, only a slap down.

Hatred and Racism should have no part in the day we live in today and it’s time they go.

Still others who practice hatred, target those who succeed for a couple of reasons.
The first is jealousy and the second is because they think by targeting those who succeed with their hateful attacks they can make themselves successful. Nothing could be further from the truth. People who think like this don’t know how to accomplish anything and never will.

When I think of these people, I’m reminded of an old song of the Black Church I recently heard of that sums it up very well.

Here are the words...

There’s always somebody talking about me.
Really I don’t mind.
They try to stop and block my progress
Most of the time.
But the mean things you say, can’t make me feel bad.
I can’t miss the friend that I’ve never had.
I got Jesus and that’s enough.

 

by Allen Youngblood

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