www.DERRICKDONALD.com

Daybreak

 
 ©iStockphoto.com/Anna Bakulina

I stood on the balcony of Weir Hall, as crisp morning air filled my lungs.  Orion--the constellation that captured the imagination of my youth--stood beneath the moon in the unhurriedly brightening sky. 

I was witnessing daybreak...

The words penned by Marcus Aurelius provoked a moment of cogitation:

"The Pythagoreans say this: at dawn, behold the starry heavens, so that we may remind ourselves of those beings that are always in accord with each other and always performing their function; and also so that we remember their order, purity, and nakedness, for a star needs no veil."

... The moon and the glittering constellations yet retained their visibilities as the pinkening, eastern horizon had not yet revealed the sun.

Darkness, though receding, had not fled.

Yet, the distant and soft chirping of birds signaled that surrounding Nature was indeed aware of the coming occasion.

"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark," wrote the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. 

The words of a song, as I remembered it, yet lingered from my morning commute to the balcony where I stood:

"Know that your trial is in God’s hands.
The sun shall shine again.

Weeping may endure for a night.
But  joy comes in the morning light."

The paradox of darkness and light, coexisting in the transitionary moment of dawn, mesmerized me as I was transfixed by the heavenly display.

The lesser lights of the constellations decreased as the greater light of our nearest star increased. 

Reflecting on the sun's luminosity, I again recalled the words of the Pythagoreans:

"...for a star needs no veil." 

Unveiled, the sun bestows its gift to the earth.

...I further considered the words of Jesus Christ: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Secondarily, Marianne Williamson, whose words are of contemporary renown, wrote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. ...We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

And God's love is light. 

I turned to leave the balcony, chilled by gusts of the invigorating morning air as I absorbed a final view.  The words of the Apostle John emerged within me: "the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining."  Though darkness once lingered, the sun was now standing tall above the horizon--just as I expected...

Midnight Reflections

©iStockphoto.com/Lisa Gagne

Before the sun rose, I made my way to campus, deciding to accomplish the aims of the day in good timing.

I was hoping to finish assignments from previous days, just prior to continuing preparation for a seminar that I will lead in the coming weeks.

Right before midnight, last night, I finished reading Eudora Welty's The Optimist's Daughter, which, in 1973, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. 

Not long after reading the last page, I fell asleep.

Rising from my sleep in the morning darkness, the words from the book yet lingered...

"If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted," it read, as I paused to further consider the line in the context of the story...

The familiar biblical line slowly integrated with the sentences of my own life.

And the words remained, unmoved... like a stubborn wine stain on an unyielding garment.

Examining my life as I drove in the morning silence, I pondered...

Was I offset by the measures of the season, weighing significance on worn scales?

I released myself from introspection, refocusing my thoughts on the morning's agenda...

The morning and afternoon hours soon passed without the emergence of a single thought related to this morning's awkardness...

And just before the onset of evening, I walked through the campus grove with a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee (with an extra shot of espresso)... I was returning to the lab to continue gathering relevant images for my seminar pertaining to a new class of HIV drugs. 

In less than an hour, I would sit in on a presentation led by an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney on employment discrimination.  I eagerly anticipated gaining insight on anti-discrimination laws protecting HIV infected employees.  I would briefly allude to such rights in my seminar, I presumed, as the absence of such laws would impede access to costly antiviral pharmaceuticals.

In reading literature related to this task, I also began to develop a stronger strategy for addressing the prevalence of this disease in rural South Africa--where my colleagues and I are providing daily lunches for rural school children. 

There was much to think about. And time passed...

And in the still hour just before midnight, after a long day, I now sit, though not tired...

And, in stillness, I hope that my spiritual priorities remain intact... in spite of the busyness.

While contemplating, the timeless words of St. Therese of Lisieux come to mind:

"Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers, and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

Perhaps it is all too easy, in remembering the pressing matters of the day, to forget a few things that count... and love loses its depth.

"If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?"

The time has come...

A few moments ago, as I sat thoughtfully in the early morning hours, I considered a conversation that I had with an old college friend two years ago.

We sat at a crowded restaurant--among other relatively close friends--with the chatter of ongoing conversations surrounding us.

Those days, as most of us were consumed with the requirements of our daily lives, we rarely communicated--except during life-defining moments...

And this was a life-defining moment...

An awkward silence seemed to rest among us until someone felt it was time to speak.

"So, Derrick... Trip," as I am sometimes still called by those whom I met while in college--especially when a candid response is being solicited.  "You're going to be teaching in Houston, right? That's going to be a tough one."

The tough talk always came first... just to make sure I knew what I was getting into.  It was a predictable pattern. The congratulations and the toast would come later.

Confirming voices echoed around the table... "Houston? Yep. That's a tough one."

I took a moment to drink from my glass of unsweetened tea, allowing time to think of an adequate response. Apparently, the invocation of my nickname did not dismantle formality.

"It won't be an easy job. But I have a strong record of working with youths..." I responded before being interrupted. No one was listening.

"Trip..."

"I'm looking forward to it," I responded sharply--which caused me to win a few listening ears. At least by now, some were more certain that I just might be moving to Houston out of conviction--not hasty convenience. 

Unscathed by my tone, my old friend continued... "I just hope you know what you're getting into. You're going to be a first-year teacher at the bottom of the rung... a foot soldier."

I certainly didn't like where this was going.  But he continued... "It may be years before you see a promotion--if then.  And you'll be teaching kids that don't want to be there.  Kids are different these days. If you really want to do this, that's fine and dandy. But just make sure you go with the right expectations."

He had a point.

"You're right." I responded, but not pausing long enough for him to gloat in the moment. "And I appreciate your concern.  But, with all due respect, I like the idea of being in the trenches... a 'foot soldier,' as you called it.  That's where the real difference is made--in the trenches, on the front lines.  I could choose no better storyline for my life... making a difference in places that others avoid. And that gives fulfillment that outlasts any monetary reward."

A few heads nodded.  Another old friend finally spoke... "When Trip gets all philosophical, you know it's time to end the conversation."

There was laughter.

Our discussions--though sometimes heated--were seldom about who made the strongest argument. It was about ensuring that we were making the right decisions.  Afterall, life is too short to drift with a dull consciousness.

I taught in Houston for a short while and ultimately returned to graduate school to begin studies in pharmaceutical sciences--particulary natural products drug discovery--at the University of Mississippi.

While in Houston, though, I extensively researched school-university partnerships--which I believed to be a key to enhancing science and health education both here and abroad. 

Before leaving Houston, I ensured the high school principal that I would someday make the school-university partnership possible. I told myself that I could ultimately do more for the students as a necessary university link.  Continuing graduate education, I believed, would make that possible.

After my first year at the University of Mississippi, I was selected by the Trent Lott Leadership Institute to travel abroad to Ireland, Northern Ireland, and South Africa--studying race, religion, and reconciliation. 

Many asked, "What does that have to do with pharmaceutical sciences?" 

Indeed, many laughed--expecting no reasonable response.

I'd then respond with extended remarks about continuing racial health disparities that exist in America and measures that could be pursued by pharmaceutical scientists to address them.  I'd also explain the need for diversity in clinical drug trials and the challenges that impede progress toward this aim.  Addressing racial health disparities, in my mind, was one of the fundamental goals of reconciliation.  In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, "Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane." 

I would usually get the same response each time... "I never thought about it that way."

When I finally got to South Africa, I had the opportunity to visit a rural school.  While standing there watching the children play, I had the strangest idea... "I can do something for this school," I thought.  I had nearly forgotten my written report on the need for school-university partnerships.  And I didn't think about it further until returning to Mississippi...

But there was also something else...

While in South Africa, I also met a white African college student whose mother once received grants to grow medicinal plant gardens for rural African communities.  My interest in natural products made this "chance" meeting seem divine--especially since nearly 80% of the populations in many African countries still use traditional medicines.

After returning to Mississippi to continue my graduate studies, I also begin my first term on the Graduate Student Council as Director of Social and Philanthropic Affairs.  It provided the perfect opportunity to partner with rural schools in South Africa.  Our partnership--I hoped--would aid in combating rural poverty and the devastating prevalence of HIV/AIDS...

Much of my anticipated work began under my leadership with the Graduate Student Council.  It will continue, however, with my newly formed foundation...

In the future, I'll only be posting inspiring stories about the work that I'm doing both here and abroad.  You'll see it here first.  So the future will be more interesting than ever...

And, ironically, most of it ties with my graduate studies here at the University of Mississippi.  Thank you to all of you who subscribe to this blog.  I offer you my warmest thanks.

I can't wait to tell you more about the work I'm doing in South Africa.  I know I was supposed to get that to you last summer... but I just had to wait for this one to unfold. Of course, I'll be adding pictures.  Look for the changes in the future.  It will be a remarkable journey--for all of us.

More focused. More compassionate. More determined. 

Thanks for sharing the journey.

Derrick D. Donald

The Presidential Inauguration

I've talked with several of you during the last few days.

We've laughed. We've cried. And like our ancestors, we've prayed.

Yet, we are comforted.

"And the light goes on shining in the dark; it is not overcome by the dark" (John 1:5).

Elements of America's dark past have been overcome.

  
©iStockphoto.com/J.K. Bowers

However, our work is not done.  Having full proof of our capacity to effect change, we must continue to uplift humanity from the darkness of defeat.  For we have been alloted gifts and talents for use in our respective fields of endeavor.  And, within the space of time that we have been given, we must better the world.

Yielding our lives as instruments of God's grace, we will build a future of equality and prosperity. 

All of us... White, Black, Red, Yellow, and Brown.

And, at the end of our days, we will pass the flaming torch of faith to the next generation... until the race is finished.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for..." (Hebrews 11:1)

For those of you interested in attending the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2009, please call your Congressional Representative.  Tickets will be distributed free of charge by members of Congress.  To find out how to contact your Representative, please click here.  Ticket availability is limited, so act soon.  If you are unable to secure tickets, don't fret.  JumboTrons will be stationed throughout the National Mall--where no tickets will be necessary.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Oliver Clark Interview

  
Oliver Clark asking bailout question--from a YOUTUBE video.

Many of you may recognize him from the second presidential debate...

He was the young black male who inquired about how the bailout would benefit ordinary Americans.

I communicated with Oliver Clark via e-mail earlier this week.

This is what he told me...

DONALD: Congratulations on last night's opportunity. Millions were watching... Many are worried. In your question last night, you mentioned that most of the people that you know are suffering economically. After hearing the debate, are you convinced that better days are ahead for those around you? 

CLARK: I do believe in the American people and their ability to persevere.  I am not sure whether it will get better before it gets worse, but I am convinced that it will get better. Prayer is an amazing thing.

DONALD: You presented your question to two remarkable candidates--Senator McCain and Senator Obama. One of them will be our next President. Which candidate is better for America?

CLARK: The candidate that I believe will be better for America is the one who is going to put partisan politics aside and get things done.  Whether that will be John McCain or Barack Obama is yet to be seen.

DONALD: You're a young black man from Clarksdale, Mississippi--the heart of the Mississippi Delta... Has growing up in Mississippi shaped your political thoughts?

CLARK: Of course.  I believe that your environment is a large factor in shaping who you become.  Luckily, I had parents who steered me away from those things that a great deal of people become victims to.  I am from Clarksdale, Mississippi--more specifically the Brickyard, [which] I believe to be one of the toughest places in America to grow up and stay focused.  A lot of people I grew up with were in jail before they turned thirteen.  Once you get trapped in that system its hard to get out.

DONALD: How would you describe yourself--Republican or Democrat?

CLARK: I would describe myself as a conscientious observer who weighs all views before making a decision.  In the past though I have voted Democrat.

DONALD: I've found that many believe that it is counterintuitive to be both Black and Republican. Do you believe that this will change in your lifetime?

CLARK: I hope it will.  I have seen a great deal more people become interested in the political outcome of this election, and politics is more popular than ever.  People are debating and discussing, and that's always good when politcial discourse is taking place.  I do agree with some of the things that Republicans are for, and I do disagree with some things Democrats are for, and vice versa.  If history is any indicator of where African-Americans will align [themselves] politically then, I just don't know.  Blacks voted heavily Republican up until Franklin Roosevelt became president!

I further questioned Mr. Clark about his status as an undecided voter and his thoughts concerning allegations against McCain published by Joan Walsh, a blogger at Salon.com.  Earlier this week, Walsh wrote: 

"Barack Obama dominated this debate from the very first question John McCain fielded directly, when he condescended to the African-American questioner, a young man named Oliver, who asked how the $700 billion rescue plan passed last week would help the average American. McCain first implied that Oliver and other regular voters wouldn't know that much about Fannie Mae and and Freddie Mac... Then McCain told Oliver that his plans would 'help Americans like Allen ... stay in their home.'  Allen?  Allen was the nice older white man who asked the first question.  So what about Oliver?  Did he not matter?  Was McCain confused?" 

However, Clark did not respond immediately to my questions.  I was later informed that Clark posted responses on his Facebook page. 

CLARK: Well... I actually did [know about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac]. I like to think of myself as a fairly intelligent person. I have a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Tennessee State, so I try to keep myself up to date with current affairs. I have a master's degree in Legal Studies from Southern Illinois University, a few years in law school, and I am currently pursuing a Master in Public Administration from the University of Memphis. In defense of the Senator from Arizona, I would say he is an older guy, and may have made an underestimation of my age. Honest mistake. However, it could be because I am a young African-American male. Whatever the case may be, it was somewhat condescending regardless of my age to make an assumption regarding whether I was knowledgeable about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Prior to the debate, a statement was published on a Belmont University website concerning those selected to ask questions.  The statement read:

"Participants asking questions of the candidates will be chosen by the Gallup Organization from undecided voters in the Nashville, Tenn., standard metropolitan statistical area."

The following appeared on Facebook:

CLARK: ...I went to undergrad at Tennessee State University. (Go Tigers) I have a Nashville area code for my cell phone. So the Sunday before last, I received a call from the Gallup Poll. They asked a few questions regarding my choice in the Presidential election. They asked who I would vote for. I said most likely I would be voting for Barack Obama. They followed with, “Is there any chance that you would change your mind?" I said “Of course anything is possible.” They then asked me as an uncommitted voter would I like to participate in the town hall debate. I said, “Of course!”

To read Oliver Clark's Facebook note in its entirety, please click here. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2008: POST YOUR COMMENTS!

I'm excited about this election.

And, here at www.derrickdonald.com, people are talking...

 
©iStockphoto.com

As the 2008 presidential election nears, I want to hear from you.

POST YOUR COMMENTS... 

If you haven't already, please provide your e-mail address in the column on the right-hand side of your screen to have Derrick Donald's newest writings delivered to your inbox.

Because this an ongoing discussion of  the 2008 presidential election, past comments have been archived under this post.

TO POST YOUR COMMENT, CLICK THE "COMMENTS" LINK BELOW.  Your e-mail address is no longer required.

The Evidence of Dawn

Only months after delivering his first inaugural address, Ronald Wilson Reagan stood before a promising generation of graduates at the University of Notre Dame. Recasting the words of Isaac Newton, he said, “Each generation sees farther than the generation that preceded it, because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You're going to have opportunities beyond anything that we've ever known.” During his lifetime, Reagan witnessed a number of the nation’s dark seasons of economic distress, war, and enduring racial tension. Nevertheless, he believed that ordinary Americans would continue to transcend immediate obstacles and—ultimately—contribute to national uplift. Each would sustain America’s growth and freedom by contributing his or her strengths to the common cause of advancement. Honoring one who uplifted the nation in pursuit of equality, Reagan would later sign legislation enacting a federal holiday to commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 A Celebration of Diversity. ©iStockphoto.com/Chris Schmidt

However, in the preceding decades, King’s vision for racial reconciliation and the dreams of countless others appeared discouragingly distant. James Meredith, a contemporary of King, found no solace in exclusion and determined to become the first registered Black student at the University of Mississippi. Paul Guihard, a French journalist covering Meredith’s endeavor, was on the Oxford campus on the evening of September 30, 1962. On that autumn evening, federal marshals escorted Meredith onto campus to ensure his safe enrollment. As minutes passed, a defiant crowd assembled in protest with intensifying anger. By nightfall, a riot ensued. Consequently, Guihard was shot and killed within close range by a gunman. As he lay dead under the night sky, Paul Guihard would never witness Meredith’s enrollment, which would follow in the hours after dawn.

Although the voice of Guihard—slain as rioters began to attack reporters—was silenced, yet another courageous voice remained. As broken glass from the prior night glittered under the morning sun, students and outsiders would awaken to read the daring words of Sidna Brower, editor of the campus newspaper. Brower, in an editorial that appeared in The Mississippian, condemned the violence. Having written the editorial within her sorority house on the night of the riot, she contended that the rioters brought “dishonor and shame to the university and to the state of Mississippi.” Brower’s rebuke was certainly unwelcome. Still, she maintained her ground. After Meredith’s successful enrollment, Brower also spoke against an act of cruelty that was directed toward students who chose to eat dinner with Meredith. In an editorial published on November 20, 1962, she boldly wrote, “…all students should have the right to associate with whom they please and be able to say what they please without the fear of being chastised.” As a result of her writings, Brower was snubbed by friends and later censured by the student senate.

Meredith’s bravery would create an enduring path of opportunity for the many students that would follow in his steps. However, these students would not traverse the campus of Ole Miss unaware of the past. Though memories yet lingered, new generations emerged—increasingly distanced from the ills of former days. And nearly forty years after Meredith’s enrollment, Nic Lott—against all odds—resolved to become the school’s first Black student body president. After campaigning vigorously, articulating his desire to develop a more representative student government, he remained doubtful of his ability to win. Yet, he did win. Lott’s victory symbolized the reality of reconciliatory progress and occurred just two years before the student senate repealed the resolution that censured Brower. In the months after his spirited campaign and remarkable election, Lott would lead the pledge of allegiance at the 37th annual Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

As Ronald Reagan closed his commencement address at Notre Dame, he recited words of William Faulkner—a famed Oxford writer who died less than three months prior to Meredith’s transfer to Ole Miss. Faulkner once stated, “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.” Quoting Faulkner, Reagan hoped to remind the scholars before him of their capacity to triumph in the contemporary world. Continuing his address, Reagan said, “My hope today is that in the years to come—and come it shall—when it's your time to explain to another generation the meaning of the past… that you'll recall the truths...” Even now, perhaps, as the world recounts the dark nights of the past, we—like Meredith, Brower, and Lott—can stand as the evidence of dawn.

©iStockphoto.com/Andrea Laurita

This work was written in honor of reconciliatory progress in Mississippi as the University of Mississippi prepares to host the first presidential debate on September 26, 2008.

Straight to the Point: Hope for Darfur

I just viewed The Devil Came on Horseback.

It's a documentary that unveils the continuing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Dead children.  Mass rape.  A father buried alive.

I wept.

 
An Old Map of Sudan. ©iStockphoto.com/Pontus Edenburg

While I was on the continent of Africa last month, I realized that Africa's greatest hope may rest in the hearts and minds of its youngest generation.

But, under the hands of the Sudanese government, as many as 400 thousand lives--both young and old--have been cut short. 

It began in 2003.

Rebels in the Darfur Region, accusing its Arab-dominated government of neglecting the interests of non-Arabs, attacked a government air base.

The rebels hoped to persuade the government to give in to their demands--which included economic development for Durfur, one of Sudan's poorest regions.

Instead, the Sudanese government--led by Omar al-Bashir--responded with air strikes and recruited militiamen among Darfur's Arab tribes.  The militias, now known as the Janjaweed, endeavored to burn entire villages.  

Women and girls were raped and murdered.  Families were destroyed.

It still continues today.

It's difficult to imagine, but it's much more difficult to bear.

But Daoud Hari survived.

I met Hari today and bought his book, The Translator.

After being granted asylum, he now lives in the USA.

Hari was in Oxford, MS, today with the Save Darfur Coalition to promote awareness and to spur activism.

As the first presidential debate nears, the Save Darfur Coalition also hopes to make Darfur a priority concern for the next President.

But our own problems seem to overshadow our considerations of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Problems like the economy, for instance.

But the Coalition still believes that it can get the message out.

And it hopes that the international community will respond... before it's too late.

For more information or to get involved, please visit www.savedarfur.org.

"Straight to the Point" is a periodic, reader-friendly commentary on international and domestic matters.  You'll only find it here at www.derrickdonald.com.  To subscribe, simply provide your e-mail address in the alloted space.  You can also comment by clicking on the "comments" link.

Ole Miss Prepares for the Presidential Debate

One can't help but sense the excitement here in Oxford, MS, as we prepare to host the first presidential debate.  On Sunday, I completed my newest work, "The Evidence of Dawn."  In it, I share the inspiring stories that I discovered as I looked deeply into the path of racial reconciliation here at Ole Miss.  I'm certain that you'll find it interesting.  I'll be posting this new work on Thursday! 

  
©iStockphoto.com/Michael Krinke

And speaking of Africa, I'll post writings from my experiences in South Africa after the debate--just in case you're wondering.

Thank you for visiting www.derrickdonald.com. 

An Unforgettable Moment

Welcome.

Thanks for visiting me at www.derrickdonald.com.  Below, you'll find my latest work, "Lessons from Northern Ireland."  Just two days ago, I arrived in Port Elizabeth, South Africa--having departed from Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Monday.  As the plane flew over the western coast of Africa in route to Johannesburg, I was brought to tears as I realized that I would, perhaps, be the first of my own bloodline to return to the continent since the dark times of slavery.  It was a moment of definition, a moment of identity.  I look forward to sharing my next work with you as I explore South Africa.  In the meantime, enjoy "Lessons from Northern Ireland."  To comment on any of my writings, simply click on the "comments" link below the blog entry. 

©iStockphoto.com/Duncan Walker