My Voice in Our Democracy
By TenieceThurston
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Email: TenieceT@aol.com 

 
        I am blossoming-pushing forth, developing, eager to spring up, to touch the sky. I live in a time of unrest, however, for weeds of injustice, segregation and civil unrest encroach upon me daily. The feet of segregationists and civil rights activists alike have crossed my path. Some having bruised my petals and caused some to fall away.
        Echoes of a loud cry for democracy can be heard. A surge of excitement is engulfing the people for a speech is being delivered that is awakening the spirit of men, the spirit of goodwill. “A dream…” the man says. A chance for change, a chance for equality, a chance for peace, a chance for hope, a chance for democracy.
        But quicker than spring can turn into winter, a cold chill and dark clouds glaze over, and my life and those close to me suffer an untimely demise. This- an attempt to extinguish the sprouts of a democratic process. 
        Undaunted by this, I have relentlessly returned every year and by doing so my perennial nature has allowed me to see some change…strides, advancements, growth and development.
        Thirty-seven years have passed and some voices have silenced, some just above a whisper, but others cry out, for there is still room for improvement. With proper care and love, I’ll bloom again next year pushing forth, developing, eager to spring up to touch the sky. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll be one step closer to the realization of that man’s dreams.

© 2001 Teniece Thurston