Believing That You Can Believing That You Can
My Heritage
My first name came from one of my great uncles. He
came from a country town in Georgia. We know now most
country folks immigrated from the South. I was raised in
Jacksonville, Florida. We don’t know too much about my
other folks from other places like North Carolina or New
York. I know a little about their history. They were mostly
farmers and they were African American. My people have
told me little bit about my granddad and what he did to
make his living. He was a man who took pride in creating
his unique blend of cooking and baking. I’m here today
because of what he valued and because he took time with
his grand kids to talk with them, let them know that the sky
is the limit and that we can make it if we try.
He told us to keep on moving, have a motive or reason
for doing what we do, and to carry on our legacy. We
learned to hold on to our faith because it will carry us to
places we would not believe and we have never been
before. What makes a man be a better man? How will I
impact the lives of others around me... not just my
generation, but also everyone around me? Others can learn
and benefit from knowledge of my people who where here
before we were. I hope people will be inspired by my
writing and try learn more about their history and what
make us stronger and tougher individuals. What has put you
in this place and made you want to be here? Where do you
want to go? It’s your choice. Know yourself and have a
positive impact that your generation will want to follow. We
are all that we have and we must be examples for one
another.
Ernest Jackson has lived in Jacksonville all his life. He has been an adult
learner at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Downtown campus for
about two years. He is a peacemaker in his family and his community
who wants to be an example for younger people.
Fate, Faith, and Fulfillment
My name is Ewelina and I am of Polish origin. I was
born in a small town near Warsaw. I grew up with my
grandparents because when I was five my parents died in a