I can’t remember when the American Dream emerged in my conscious—it’s always been there. Today, as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, I’d like to share my thoughts.

Additionally, I would like to introduce the African American Exhibit, Thriving Through God’s Grace, at the Historic Faison House in La Grange, Texas which had its grand opening on Saturday. The exhibit has been a goal of mine and opened my eyes to the rocky road filled with artificial barriers toward the American Dream.

The exhibit details what is known of Louisiana Brown, Freedwoman, who owned the house between 1870 and 1872 and was a homeowner for the rest of her life, as well as Peyton Faison, African American half-brother of N.W. Faison, for whom the house is named.

THE AMERICAN DREAM DEFINED

According to Merriam Webster, the American Dream is defined as a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful.

AMERICAN DREAM DENIED USING ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS

Since the founding of the American colonies, individuals of mixed race were considered lower class and beneath “purely white” citizens regardless of how much white blood they possessed. As early as the seventeenth century, laws began to help reinforce the perception that if a person is believed to have any African ancestry, that person is regarded as Black. This “one drop rule” (or hypodescent) was important because it reinforced white supremacy’s social, political, economic, and psychological structure. Enslavers benefited, allowing them to maintain individuals who were, in fact, more white than Black, in bondage. (Faison House African American Exhibit)

The artificial barriers became clear to me in elementary school. Growing up, along with my brother, I learned to play ball, mowed the lawn, and was expected to excel at school. The rude awakening that my access to the American Dream would be blocked didn’t come until fourth grade. I’ll never forget standing on the sidelines, watching my brother try out for Little League. One of the other boys attempted to catch a slow grounder but it rolled between his legs. I became incensed. I could play baseball better than half the boys on the field but wasn’t allowed to try out because I was a girl!

FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO THWART THE AMERICAN DREAM

Although slavery was abolished, African Americans in Texas traded enslavement for Black Codes, severely limiting their rights and segregating them from whites. In all, the Lone Star State passed twenty-seven such laws between 1866 and 1958. These codes, known as Jim Crow laws limited voting rights, marriage, residency, jobs, transportation, and access to public accommodations such as movie theaters, bathrooms, and restaurants. The name was borrowed from a racially stereotyped Black character in a common 19th-century song-and-dance act. These laws were prohibited in 1964. (Faison House African American Exhibit)

And, of course, if these laws did not stop the forward progress, mobs destroyed it as they did in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921.

AMERICAN DREAM RESILIENCE

The African Americans associated with the Faison House promptly pursued the American Dream. Louisiana bought and profitably sold property for the rest of her life. Peyton began farming, nurtured a family, registered to vote, and participated in politics.

They embodied the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King who said, “ If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE AMERICAN DREAM

Rewarding those who work hard and are successful is the key to the U.S. being the best country in the world. However, artificial blocks to success harm us eventually. Insinuation that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have made us weaker is harmful to the fabric of our country.

Next month I will again have a total knee replacement in Houston, Texas. Frankly, I don’t care what race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or color the individual is who works on me. My only concern is ‘Are they the best and brightest?’

My last surgery with the same physician was a resounding success. Amazingly, no white man was part of the surgical or recovery team. Please don’t misunderstand me. I love white men. I am married to one. I expect the best and brightest.

We need to continue to strive to ensure the American Dream is available to all.

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