(Looking around at the portraits on the
walls of the Borough Hall landmark building,
Dr. Sanford noted the following.)
I want my beloved people
not to be confused. They did
not build this nation for democracy.
They did not build this nation for truth.
And even though you may look
at pictures on the wall.
It is (who is seated now) that counts.
And how you fill that seat
(that makes it) meaningful.
Think about the indigenous people
living on reservations.
They can’t vote
I want you to think about who
built this nation.
And at what price, physical and
emotional, did they use to build this
nation
The White House was built by slaves
The dome was built
Understand what you see. Look
beyond the superficialities
that surround you
(The nation was built) for …
comfort, for … wealth.
And (the Colonial Leaders)
enshrined themselves in monuments
(as) we fought to make a democracy.
I call you ‘my beloved’ because
it is about relationships.
So, now, there are some things
about me you don’t know:
I went to jail three times.
Three times you’re supposed to
be out.
Fortunately, if I go again,
(The attorney) Londel McMillan
will see that they don’t keep me
longer than overnight.
… with roaches that look like
raisins in sandwiches.
The first time I was 8 years old.
My mother had been involved in an
accident and they said she was
responsible.
The wound in her head patched
I went to jail so that black men
could get a chance to work in the
SUNY Downstate building.
So, when you go to Downstate
you need to know (that there are)
pictures that look different
from the ones on the wall.
You need to know that men of
African ancestry went to jail
(for their rights).
The next time, it was The Day
of Outrage
So, you don’t know all about me,
but I know all about you because
before we existed, we knew each other.
You tell your story then you tell
my story,
But tell the whole story and
understand that what you see
as you walk
past these walls is a power play.
We have five earned doctorates
that came out of the
Crispus Attucks School (P.S.21)
The students went on to high
positions in Education, in
Law and Medicine.
We have people like
Laurie Cumbo who started a
small museum.
We have Eric Edwards.
Have you seen his exhibit
at Restoration?
We have Hazel Dukes who
had a long, long struggle but
she can tell you about those
pictures on the wall.
Don’t let your children believe
(everything they see)
Tell them the Truth. The truth
will make you free.
I call you my beloved because you’ve been called everything else.
But remember that it is not
what they call you
Until you answer.
When you see our children,
think of them as beloved,
Not because of their behavior,
in spite of it.
Remember, I went to jail (a few) times.
May go again.
Never know.
You must be willing to do
what’s necessary to gain,
not just freedom but independence.
It’s going to be a difficult struggle.
It always has been.
We don’t know any other way.
But it will be victorious.
We are worthy. We are special
Enduring. Hard workers
And I thank each one of you
I wish I could hug you
so, I can hear the beat of your heart
(So that you will understand that)
I understand your dreams, hopes,
aspirations.
You live in me, and I live in you.
And I thank those who planned
this event,
Those who have come, those
who have spoken, those who
didn’t have an opportunity to speak.
Know that I hear you.
You are you are special,
you are extraordinary,
you are worthy, you are precious
You are beloved.
To view the entire speech:
www.youtube.com
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