Love-juneteenth 2024
For anyone who doesn’t know me, my name is Ricky. I am here to express what love means to me. But first, I would like to thank everyone who came here today to celebrate this amazing holiday with us. Also, thanks to the Uhuru Executive body.
So today's theme is Love. We all deserve to be loved; we were all born to love.
For me, love should have no boundaries. Love is everlasting. It’s indispensable. Love has taught me how to be vulnerable, it has taught me to embrace others, to connect with others, and to show empathy for my fellow peers. Love has allowed me not only to transform my life but to continue down a path of restoring my true values.
Now love has many important components to it, but for me, it has four that are truly needed for everlasting love: commitment, respect, trust, and communication.
Commitment: We have to be committed to love, peace, and honesty.
Respect: It is earned, not given to you. Without respect for each other, there is no balance.
Trust: It is a two-way street, it's relying on each other.
Communication: It helps us to understand and solve our differences, so we don’t form perceptions of each other.
Let me ask all of you here, do you believe in true love? I know I do because I am in love with this incredible woman sitting right over there. I love you, Ms. Lewis.
Today we speak about love, unity, and respect. I believe we must continue to honor our ancestors’ legacy by supporting one another and building a community of love, education, compassion, and trust.
Resiliency is part of our DNA makeup. We are fighters, trendsetters, parents, role models, doctors, and most of all, we are all Kings and Queens.
Now before I end this speech, I would like to share these four mantras with you that were written by renowned author and Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh:
"Dear one, I am here for you.” Because the most precious gift you can give your loved one is your true presence.
“Dear one, I know that you are here, alive, and that makes me very happy.” This mantra enables you to recognize the presence of the person as something very precious, a miracle.
“Dear one, I know that you are suffering. That is why I am here for you.” You are here and you recognize the fact that your loved one is suffering.
“Dear one, I am suffering. I need help.” Now this fourth mantra is the most difficult for many. Why? Because of the negative energy we use called pride.
