There are times I do not want to read the newspaper or watch the news reports on television. It is hard to hear about the struggles that many in our nation are having. It is especially difficult when we see what is happening to our young people. Did you know that of the top 5 causes of death among people 15 to 34 includes overdose deaths due to Fentanyl, Suicides, and Violence. When you read these stories, you can lose hope. When you are on the frontlines like many of our first responders or you work in healthcare, you have seen firsthand that this data is a fact. In my 27 years as a nurse those deaths due to overdoses and suicides stick with me the most. I will be honest with you that there were and are times I have lost hope. I have been afraid for my children and all the young people today.
This is difficult for me because I do not what my message to get you down before the weekend, but I truly believe in the Ten Essentials of Dignity created by Dr. Donna Hicks PhD. We must recognize and acknowledge our challenges and struggles. We must understand what happens when our physical and emotional safety is violated. We must understand the struggles people are having, acknowledge what they are so that we can work to solve these challenges.
My journey as the Diversity Officer for Berkshire Health has been challenging but also truly enlightening. Often what you do not hear on the news is all the amazing work that is happening to make a difference. This work comes from those who themselves are struggling every day, but they put helping others first. I am going to meet a young man next Saturday and talk to him because he wants to start a drop-in center for teens. His family immigrated from Ghana, but they call Pittsfield their home and their community. He wants to make a difference. He comes from a family of entrepreneurs, and he wants to use his gift to give back. He gives me hope. He and many like him live in Berkshire County. They want to change the course for young people today. They are the future dignity leaders that we must support and put out front to say all is not lost. We are here and we will make a difference.
Occasionally, I need to remind myself that no matter how hard it seems there is hope if we hold on to dignity. People like Nelson Mandela, The Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harriet Tubman, and Shirley Chisholm have faced significate challenges and adversity, but it did not stop them from fighting for what was right.
I would like to leave you with this quote from Wilma Rudolph,
“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 