Telling Our Own Story

Martica Andrews

I am proud to be an American. I am proud that I was raised in a bicultural home, proud that my father served this country overseas for 30 years, and because of that, I know what authoritarianism looks like. I am proud to have the values this country is showing now—the resilience, the knowledge, the passion to do the right thing. I am proud to be living through American history to keep the American dream alive.

I am proud to be part of a community that welcomes every story—whether you’ve lived in Spicewood for generations or just arrived.

I am proud that we have come together for one purpose: to do what’s right -- for our family, for our community, and for our country. I am a proud American who will take back the narrative and share my voice!! STAND UP AMERICA.

Kristy

Here's my story (and it felt really good to write it).

Lately I've been buoyed by thoughts of how Americans responded in other dark periods in our history: the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and repeated waves of oppression against "others". I imagine that being brave in the face of fear - and taking a stand for the ideals outlined in our Constitution - must be part of our DNA, passed down through each successive generation, even though most of us are descendents of immigrants.

Everything feels heavy right now, but Americans have been here before. Democracy has endured because we have refused to yield, time after time. Maybe these current threats are meant to remind us of the fragility of our imperfect system and to force us to shed our complacency. Continuing the American legacy of doing the work alongside others has allowed me to stay optimistic, even when optimism feels unreasonable. Our system is being battered, but it isn't broken, as lawyers and judges, elected officials, and - most importantly - millions of ordinary Americans are rising up and pushing back. Ultimately, we will prevail.

PS: This morning I also remembered one of my favorite poems - still resonant after 100 years - and I think it's worth sharing on the website or in some format. I get emotional every time I read it.

Fun Fact: Langston Hughes and I share a birthday!

I, Too

By Langston Hughes

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”

Then.

Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—

I, too, am America.

......please share your story by sending it to indivisible78669@gmail.com