Labor with Dignity

Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.               Vince Lombardi

Another fast week just passed and locally kids have all returned to school. Local football games are underway and there is the noticeable change in both the temperature and the time the sun rises. All of this points to the Summer being all but over. In fact, yesterday we celebrated Labor Day which for many is the official end to Summer.

Labor Day, celebrated annually on the first Monday in September is a holiday to recognize the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is our country’s tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country…according to our own US Department of Labor. It seems like a strange holiday in some ways. Would it not make as much sense if workers and even non workers performed some kind of labor or community service instead of taking the day off we recognize  for “labor”?  Well, in actuality “everyone” does not have the day off…many still have to show up for work such as police, medical personnel, those in the hotel or travel industry, and of course our military.

In Costa Rica, Labor Day also known as May Day, is recognized and celebrated on May 1st. Therefore, the Learning Center was open for business yesterday.

I mixed some fun and work on my Labor Day by working on my weekly Post which I finished this morning. In the world of “Friends of Copey” almost everyday is a work day and I approach each task with both dignity and honor.  As “Friends” I believe we are privileged to be in a position to impact young lives by our combined efforts. Today, there are many things in the works. I am still unable to share a couple of the activities that are still in the very early stage of development. However, there are other actions underway.

I am getting ready for an important Kiwanis Club presentation on October 14th regarding the progress (in 2016) of “Friends of Copey”. Then, we are gearing up for the REI fund-raising event scheduled for October 15th and 16th. These are the next two most significant “Friends” events on our schedule designed to promote and support the Learning Center.

Other activities include getting our Pen Pal programs activated with the start of school in our area.

During last week’s Skype session, Ana reported an additional 15 students are being enrolled into the Learning Center this week setting a new high of 60 plus students for the enrollment count. This is very significant for two main reasons; First, there is apparent growing recognition, increased need and demand, and confidence in the work the Learning Center is conducting. And, with the additional students, there will be greater demands placed on educational resources, classroom space, and personnel support.

On a more personal note, in early October there will be a marker dedicated in honor of our ancestor John Broady and other slaves. These men were present during the famous battleheld at Kings Mountain in South Carolina on October 7, 1780. This battle proved to have had a significant impact on the final outcome of the American Revolutionary War and the future of our country. There is much to share about John Broady but we will do this at another time.

It is an honor for us to be invited and included in this dedication ceremony. We thank the Daughters of the American Revolution and Ms. Loretta Cozart, Chapter Regent of the Colonel Frederic Hambright Chapter, specifically for leading the way in getting these men recognized during the 100th Year Celebration of our National Parks. It is because of Ms. Cozart’s tireless and devoted efforts that these men will be honored and included in the historical records of the Battle of Kings Mountain and recognized as African-American Patriots.