:: A Message to My Friends and Supporters
Recently, I received a card from a friend echoing something that has been expressed about me many times since this terrible ordeal began: "It's not a surprise but is truly amazing to see how many people care about you and how many lives you've influenced."
So, you all have no idea how much you've influenced my life, eh?
I was brought up in the foot-stomping, hand-clapping, raise-the-roof tradition of the black Baptist church. The Golden Rule got drilled into me quite early - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
You have exhibited the essence of the Golden Rule.
Your quiet determination to be inclusive, to live-and-let-live, to defend and protect those less fortunate or those who suffer ignominies or injustices is probably something you never think about because it comes so naturally; almost as if you are genetically pre-disposed to be that way.
I clearly thought there was something genetic going on which is why I came to Canada. I wanted my children to be born and raised among you.
And if I'm exhibiting a naivety - a fault I have been accused of - then it is a quality "or stigma" I shall happily live with because you have sustained my rosy view of Canada even through this harsh time.
Without getting into definitions of love, let me just say that I harbor the deepest affections for you all. Truly! I am humbled by your support for myself and my family during this extremely trying ordeal. I am living through a definition of hell. And just when I think I cannot bear another moment of this, I receive a card or letter from you, or I am informed about the ever-growing support, or I am in court and the room is packed with you and I am reminded of what is the essence of this great nation-it is you. This isn't rhetoric, nor the delusions of an idealist. Dr. King said a great nation is a compassionate nation. And we all know a nation is its people.
To all of my supporters who are not Canadian, you must know that you have sustained my faith in the human family. You remind me of something else Dr. King said, "… there is a human rights revolution, with the freedom explosion that is taking place all over the world. Yes, we do live in a period where changes are taking place."
From the depths of my soul, I thank you all for your continuing support and I look forward to living and working among you again soon.
[ Word version ]