Member-only story
From This Day Forward
A story in response to a writing prompt.
16 August 2023
Dear Bill:
From this day forward, I will recognize I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams. It’s time for me to live my life that honors their sacrifices made during their journey. The man I am today does not exist without their earthly presence regardless of if our paths — theirs and mine — ever crossed. I am more than their wildest dreams: I am their hope to attain and have freedom that was stolen from them when captured and enslaved on the African continent, enduring torture during the Middle Passage atrocities, adapting to survive inside an alien, racist culture of the American colonies where slavery was not a fucking benefit. That’s why I always proclaim I will not be denied when I strive to accomplish any goal, overcoming any obstacle that attempts to hold me back due to my skin color.
From this day forward, I will not waste any opportunity to pursue my creative endeavors. I have been blessed with a magnificent gift that positively touches the lives of others who read, hear, and embrace the words I write in their various literary forms. Three hundred years ago, I would be prohibited to write and/or read because of my race, and learning how to do so could be a death sentence for me. I am grateful to have the freedom to educate myself and to express…