I also remember something else – it was the overall involvement and protest of women – in particular, Black females and sisters marching, and participating in all aspects of the movement – I was greatly impressed by this; not surprised – but, impressed by their “activism”…and, today their professionalism in all aspects of life.  What would we do without them?

It’s very appropriate for all of us as Americans to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Day, as well as Black History Month – but, more so to continue with his work by “Honoring” the movement for which he stood…however,  I’m instinctively reminded that it would take volumes to rehash his legacy.

As an activist in the Civil Rights Movement during my college days in the sixties, and afterwards – I haven’t or didn’t always agree with some of the non-violent tactics of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., – but, I respected his leadership and the fact that he put his life on the line for a democracy that included all Americans. I personally saw a coalition of individuals who were Black or African American, White, Native Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, Asian Americans, and others – who came together as a human race to demand Human Rights and Justice for all…

Importantly, I also remember something else – it was the overall involvement and protest of women – in particular, Black females and sisters marching, and participating in all aspects of the movement – I was greatly impressed by this; not surprised – but, impressed by their “activism”…and, today their professionalism in all aspects of life.  What would we do without them?

My beloved valentine in this month of love and for honoring leaders is my dear wife and Queen. Shirl A. Hull is a life-long Democrat, committed to Liberty, Justice, and Peace for all – a wonderful and model wife; a companion and best friend;  an outstanding mother; a friendly neighbor – and always has a smile and kind word for all…. Allow me to sing her praises.  

Shirl A. Hull is a life-long Democrat, committed to Liberty, Justice, and Peace for all –  a wonderful and model wife;  a companion and best friend;  an outstanding mother; a friendly neighbor – and always has a smile and kind word for all….  

Shirl Hull is an outstanding Artist and Entrepreneur, who received her College Degree in Studio Art from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA., has been featured in Essence Magazine, and she is also a recipient of the Braiders Guild Award in 1991 for her Professional Educational Services. Shirl is a the recipient of the American Dream “Entrepreneurial” Award, presented by the Westchester Center for Training & Development, Inc., in 1998 and the recipient of the Annual Award for the Juneteenth ‘99, presented by the Westchester & Rockland Counties African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc, in 1999. Owner of the Royal Collage Afrique, Inc. (an Afro-Centric Boutique), located in Downtown City of Mount Vernon, NY, today, she’s one of the premier Artists who teaches Art Classes for Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Inc., Salisbury, NC.

I ask that you remember all the strong women you know and their many accomplishments and lift up your own accolades. I finish as I began with a roll call of women to honor during Black History month – Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Angela Davis, Kathleen Cleaver, Barbara Jordan, Selena Williams, Simone Biles, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey, Dorothy Height, Septima Poinsette Clark, Pauli Murray, Misty Copeland, Lashana Lynch, Jessica Watkins, and millions more…

Ed Hull