A Day Not Soon Forgotten

written by Dr. Kristen Guillory
Director of Programs




Barack Obama became our first African American president on Jan 20, 2009. It was a day I will never forget.

As I watched the inauguration, I teared up quite a bit. They were tears of joy, as I didn’t think I would see this day so soon, with African Americans not having the same rights as others just 44 years ago.

As I teared up, I thought about my relatives and ancestors and about the youth we serve at Fortress YDC. Being raised in "the 'hood" by a single parent is a formula, to some, for failure. But on Tuesday, our students saw someone who grew up somewhat like them become president.

This election was also different in that even 5 year olds were interested and knew the names of the candidates. Many days when I would pick up the students from school, they would talk about Obama and McCain. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I did not get remotely interested in an election until I was about 18 or 19. On Inauguration Day, the students got into the van elated, saying, “Barack Obama is President!!! And we watched the Inauguration.” The students felt a sense of pride.

Each day upon arrival, our students have to do "the Fortress Welcome", which includes stating their name, age, and what they want to do when they grow up. Last Tuesday, they all said that they wanted to be president! I was in awe of our 6, 7, and 8 years olds being this excited. Markel, one of our 3rd graders, is his 3rd Grade Class President and one day said to me, “Call me President Obama,”. I replied, "No, you are President Milstead.” Who knows, in just 40 years, he might be the president of our country.

Whatever the students want to do, they are excited about the future. So it is my duty and the duty of all adults to not only pray for President Obama, but for our youth.

photo: Johnnia Milstead with her brother, President Markel Milstead

Prayer Requests, week of 1-12-09

• Praise God for the new volunteers who contacted us this week looking for service opportunities.
• Ms. D prays for Nookie, whose family is still mourning the loss of their grandfather.
• Ms. D prays for the family of Mrs. Washington, who died Saturday. The family will be going through lots of changes.
• Ms. D’s cousin was found dead on Saturday. They think it was a heart attack.
• Staff prays for Kristen’s speedy recovery.
• Ms. D’s daughter is seeking employment.
• Regular monthly funds are slow this month. Praise God for continually providing for Fortress’ needs, and ask that He see us through this slow season.

Prayer Requests, week of 1-5-09

• Ms. D prays for Nookie, whose grandfather passed this morning.
• Ms. D prays for her neighbor John’s father, who lost both legs and requires 24-hour care, but wants to come home. John cannot care for him, which is very hard for both of them to accept.
• Ramon prays for the kids to slip easily back into the Fortress routine, and for staff to have consistency with them.
• Staff prays for Kristen to get well.
• Staff prays for Kathleen, who left Fortress to work with junior high girls at a church that will pay for her grad school. We pray for an easy transition and for God's richest blessings on her as she embarks on this new journey. We'll miss you, Kathleen!
• Staff praises God for sending Jessie our way to fill Kathleen's spot. :)