Dawn
“I have always felt this detachment from my history. It was taken from me and my people, and we are called Black. What does that mean? I have always longed to know my history; beyond the struggle, the slavery, the hatred, beyond the endless bloodlines of death and pain. I recently realized why it hurt so much for me not to know my ancestry. As a Christian, I believe God has created every person and given each person and each family unique qualities. Yet because that heritage was lost, I have so many questions about why I am the way I am. I felt this disconnect from God because I could not see the creativity of God in any of my ancestors outside of my immediate family members. I didn’t know who they were. There is no worse experience than not feeling God’s presence or hearing his voice. Yet as I continued to search and evaluate what it meant and what it means to be Black, I chose to be empowered by the broken story of my people. We are strong and we are still here. The system did not destroy us. God has given me a purpose, and here at Notre Dame, I realize that it is to be a light for Him and for His glory and to show that I will not be oppressed by the system. I will continue to strive for my family, my people, and my Savior.”
© J.Chong Photography (Las Vegas Photographer)
