I'll Call It Like I See It

by sheila morris

Tag: family in texas

  • Juneteenth! Happy Freedom Day!

    Juneteenth! Happy Freedom Day!


    I’m sure many of you received this letter today from former Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. If you already read it, please take a minute to absorb it again, and if you haven’t read it – well, trust me, it’s a must read for Juneteenth. I am a native Texan, grew up not too far from Galveston, and am so very proud of my Black family members who will be celebrating with good food, family and friends today. My heart is with them – Happy Freedom Day to all!

    Sheila,

    It’s Juneteenth — marking 159 years since freedom finally reached enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas. And today, while we celebrate the end of slavery, we must do all we can to remember those who endured the unconscionable, this nation’s original sin. 

    You’ve heard me, and others, say this a lot, but we have to say it again: The march towards true, lived freedom is far from over. The struggle continues to this day, but the victories we’ve achieved are only because of the commitment of every new generation to engage in the fight for justice and equality. 

    And don’t get me wrong, we have come a long way since that day 159 years ago in Galveston, Texas. We have made our country a more welcoming, safe, and equitable place for Black Americans. But there is still a long road left to travel. 

    This Juneteenth, while we recognize the continued struggle, I’m still filled with hope for what’s ahead. Our power to make change has never been stronger. All voices in our democracy deserve to be heard, and I’m proud to be working alongside you in the fight to make that a reality. 

    Together, let’s use today to recommit to our shared effort to have this nation live up to its founding ideals.

    Thank you for being in this movement, and happy Freedom Day. 

    Eric H. Holder, Jr. 
    82nd Attorney General of the United States

    All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund. Support our work to end gerrymandering.

    **************************

    Today is also the birthday of Francie Kleckley – wish her a Happy Birthday at http://www.franciekleckley.com and support her campaign with a donation! Hint: $65. would be significant to her, if you catch my drift.

  • troubles in texas

    troubles in texas


    Our thoughts for the past few days have turned south and west toward my home state of Texas, and Pretty’s second home state with me when we were bi-stateual from 2010 – 2014. We are a thousand miles from our Worsham Street neighborhood in Montgomery, Texas which this week has been under seige by a deep winter freeze that blanketed the entire state with snow, ice, wintry mix, whatever term the weather people choose to give the vicious storm creating havoc with the safety and daily needs of all citizens of the Lone Star State.

    We are deeply concerned for our family and friends who call Texas home – some without power, some without water, some with no phone service, some with very little food, most without heat for 4 – 5 days – and indeed, all the people of Texas and the surrounding area who have been affected by yet another disaster.

    Thanks to my cousin Nita Jean in Austin who shared this photo:

    her neighbor’s backup water stash

    A pandemic called Covid continues to claim lives every day in Texas, South Carolina, the United States, worldwide even in the midst of earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, and other disasters. My cousin Diane in Texas said tonight, “What’s next, locusts?”

    Wishing our family and friends in Texas (and all of you in cyberspace) safety and sanity in these troubling times. Please stay tuned.

    The Lone Star State flag flies with the US flag in Montgomery, Texas