Today, January 9, 2025, marks a remarkable milestone in our family’s history—it would have been our father’s 107th birthday. Though he left us in March 1968, his legacy endures, inspiring generations of his descendants. His beloved wife, who passed away in 2003, carried forward his memory, and together they built a family of seven children, including twin sons who were only four years old at the time of his passing.
Our father’s birthday was always a special time in our family. After his passing, our mother honored his memory by keeping our Christmas tree up until his birthday—a tradition I hold dear and continue to this day. This simple yet profound act reminds us of the enduring love that defines our family’s bond.
Born in 1918, our father came into the world in the wake of World War I, a time of profound transformation. His life bore witness to the Roaring Twenties, an era of unprecedented economic growth and cultural change, and the hardships of the Great Depression, which tested the resilience of countless families across America. During World War II, as the world came together in a collective struggle, our father experienced the hopes and sacrifices of a nation united for freedom.
The post-war years brought monumental changes. He lived through the establishment of the United Nations, symbolizing a new era of global cooperation, and the early stages of the Cold War, which defined much of the mid-20th century. As the Great Migration unfolded, he was part of a generation of African Americans who sought better opportunities and contributed to reshaping the social and cultural fabric of America. It was during this period he migrated with our mother and us five children to New York City from North Carolina.
Two of our older siblings, one named after two of our father’s brothers and the other after our paternal grandmother, continue to share stories of his life. Their tales are vivid with wisdom, loud talking, hearty back-slapping laughter, and a profound sense of family. These recollections connect us to a man whose presence remains deeply felt, even decades after his passing.
As we celebrate what would have been his 107th birthday, we do more than mark a date on the calendar—we honor a life that spanned some of the most transformative events in history. His strength, love, and wisdom laid the foundation for our family’s resilience and unity. His journey, from the aftermath of World War I to the transformative Civil Rights Era of the 1960s, bears witness to the adaptability and courage in the face of change.
Today, we reflect on the legacy our father left behind—a legacy built on hard work, compassion, and a deep commitment to family. His life is a reminder of the values that continue to guide us: love, perseverance, and the importance of holding onto our roots while embracing the future.
As we commemorate this special day, let us honor the past, cherish its lessons, and carry forward the legacy of those who paved the way for us. Here’s to our father—a man whose life continues to inspire and uplift us, shaping the spirit of our family for generations to come.
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