“I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Renowned author and poet Maya Angelou
Earlier this month, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson held the 3rd Annual Black History Recognition Ceremony at our global headquarters. It was a time to pause and honor Christy Brown of Alverno College; Donald Jackson, Milwaukee’s first Black assistant fire chief; Majorie Rucker of the Business Council and businessman Mark Wade. These are value centered people, who have chosen to dedicate their lives to service using compassion, dignity and integrity as their compass. The honorees were recognized not only for their tangible impact in our city, but for the “feeling” that Maya Angelou speaks of in her quote which was evident by the full room of supporters and testimonials.
Recognition events are merely one way to honor the unsung heroes of our day – past, present and future. But, we do not need designated days or months to honor the humanity each person brings to the world. We can offer dignity to one another every single day in our places of work, community and in our homes through authentic words and deeds.
Imagine what our communities and world would like if we committed with our full hearts, minds and spirit to making dignity more than a word spoken or read, but, the practice of Maya Angelou’s quote.