What are you thankful for?

With today being ‘Thanks’giving I paused to reflect on some of the things I am thankful for. I invite you to read some of the things I am thankful for and also share what YOU are thankful for. First, I am thankful that I had love. My grandmother gave me so much love and guidance. Even though she has moved on she is still a strong influence even today. She helped teach me right from wrong, about common sense v. book sense, and working for what I get. She also told me stories about how she grew up which helped me appreciate what I had. I know how powerful that is because I saw people who didn't have love growing up. I received all this on Brooklyn Ave. I am thankful that I had neighbors who knew me and cared about my wellbeing. Orange Mound provided that. I am thankful that my elementary school principal and teachers genuinely cared about my education. That included several field trips to places in Memphis and out of state as well. Hanley Elementary provided that. I am also thankful that my elementary school reinforced a sense of pride about being Black. I remember starting each day with “If it is to be, it is up to ME. I can fly, I can fly, I can fly.” That was a powerful tool Mrs. Payne equipped me with. This happened right in Orange Mound. I am thankful I had a place to learn how to work. The first yard I cut was in OM. I also used to paint curbside street addresses as a kid. I developed my work ethic in Orange Mound. I am thankful I learned the value of prayer and fellowship. Beulah and its many wonderful members showed me this. I am thankful I had places to be a kid. We had fair day at Hanley each school year. I remember playing til the sun set. Oh, and milk crates nailed to light poles so we could shoot around. We played curb ball and so many other games. Going to the OM Community Ctr. after school. I looked fwd to Larry Finch summer basketball camps. All this was available in Orange Mound. I am thankful I got to witness greatness. I watched Melrose basketball/football games and traveled to see them compete for championships. I also saw Coach Larry Finch when he was at the University of Memphis and the greatness he inspired in his players. I remember seeing 8Ball & MJG perform at the Colosseum. Orange Mound made greatness possible and I admired that. I am thankful I got exposure. Memphis is an insulated city. By that I mean that people of different ethnicities and backgrounds do not come together as much as in other cities. It is possible to live in Memphis and not interact with people of different ethnicities and backgrounds very often. I was bussed from Orange Mound to White Station High School. This was an adjustment in many ways. The educational program prepared me for college, but the exposure to students and teachers from different backgrounds helped prepare me for life. A lot of bumps came along with the transition, but they were worth it in terms of how I was able to apply the experience to the real world where everyone doesn't look like me or come from where I'm from or believe what I believe. I want children growing up in OM to be able to receive the same great environment and MORE. Beautify Orange Mound with Art is a step towards doing that. I know that was a bit long, but hey, when I think about the things I have to be thankful for so many of them come from Orange Mound that I felt the need to share. Please flood the comments with what Orange Mound has given you that you are thankful for. - Justin H. Settles