On Women’s Day, I think of my grandma. She was born in 1926 to a single mother. Her grandparents (who were slaves) raised her while her mother spent the week in the city working to support them. She lived through segregation, the Great Depression, the civil rights movement, women’s rights, Pearl Harbor, World War I, World War II and 9/11.
There is wisdom there you can’t buy.
I will always be thankful I got to take her to vote for President Barack Obama. I remember jumping out of the car to run around it to open the door for her; this tickled her. She let me know she got this and was more excited than I was. (This only adds to my joy.) Y’all, I opened the door for her to walk in. Everyone in line saw her coming. They parted and said, “After you.”
That which had been last was put to be first.
I remember gathering at her house to watch the results. We gathered at her house many a day. I truly miss those days. She loved cooking and loving on her family. We was so much of her life. I am thankful for the love and wisdom she gave us. If I become half the woman she was, I will have accomplished a lot. She is truly missed and loved.
May you forever rest peacefully in paradise. I love you always.
Charmaine Cooley is a Real Change vendor.
Read more of the Apr. 5-11, 2023 issue.