I have often raised the question about my brothers and sisters that went elsewhere in life to enjoy a life of success and opportunities that weren’t afforded here in Gainesville. The only problem I have seen that no one came back to help to see that our legacy, heritage, and history were preserved. I REMEMBER CLEANING OFF”BOOT HILL” ACROSS FROM E.E. BUTLER HIGH, NO ONE EVER CAME BACK TO CLEAR THOSE GRAVES OF OUR FOREFATHERS AND PARENTS…WHY? …NOW THEY HAVE A FOUNDATION THAT CAME IN TO HELP PAY FOR OUR GRAVES BEING CLEANED…I NEVER GOT A DIME FOR WORK? …I AM NOT ASKING FOR PAY…I JUST WONDERED WHY NO ONE EVER SHOWED UP TO INQUIRE! WE JUST GOT TO DO BETTER AS A PEOPLE AND A COMMUNITY…I remember as a kid, my brothers and sisters coming back in their shiny cars, new clothes and some even tried to talk like they had been raised in NY or somewhere else. I have intentionally stayed away from the E.E. ButlerReunion, because I care not to see people “acting” as if they are someone else. Now that’s my fault! We have to learn to be real meaning coming down off the “high horses” we ride into town on. Mama told me long time ago…”The same folks you meet on the way up, you’ll meet them on the way back down!” Most of us left our parents only to come back later to bury them here. “Outof sight, out of mine” We need to quit running from ourselves and the poverty we come from and make life better for our people here in Gainesville. Yeah we come from humble beginnings…but we still can be proud of it, because our parents went without, so we could have…think about it before rushing to the conclusion…I realize that everybody didn’t do this…some of us came back and did and continue to do what we can to help…Where are my lawyers, doctors, teachers, CEO’s and other professionals that could have made this city better? I came back, and I intend to stay the course. Most of us are dying off and our time is not as long as it has been. I have to say I am not impressed with what we are doing as a people. I like the successes we have made, but what are they good for if we don’t start at home (Gainesville) and then spread abroad? Charity (love)starts at home and then spreads abroad…I know I am right about it…I tell my daughter (who happens to be a doctor), don’t forget where you come from and reach back and help someone in this city of Gainesville. My prayer is that I hope to raise awareness consciousness. Please don’t be mad at me. I may make this year’s Réunion…God willing….“Can we just be friends?”