"I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid to be me! I have the strength and hope of this land and I will rise!" These powerful words were delivered in a speech given by little Perri Jones. In 2008, Perri was an African American, 4th grade student attending Dodson Elementary School in Houston, Texas. She won first place in the annual speaking competition honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. I'm sure Perri's words of wisdom and hope for a brighter future helped to make her a winner. She encouraged her classmates to believe in themselves and to put forth their best effort so they too will rise.

Perri expressed thanks to Dr. King for breaking down barriers and making it possible for people of color to have unlimited opportunities.  Opportunities that her forefathers could only dream of.  She cautioned that Dr. King wouldn't want us to think only of ourselves, but to begin thinking of others.  Dr. King gave his life to open the doors of opportunity for all people.

She talked about the unlimited opportunities that at one time were only impossible dreams for her forefathers.  She was exuberant as she proudly enumerated opportunities available today.  Such opportunities as: musicians, poets, scientist,  educators, and even talk show hosts. As I listened to her speech I had the distinct feeling that Perri Jones has a desire to follow in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey.

Perri Jones is determined to rise.  She has set goals and has the strength and will to hold her head up high and reach for the stars.  With such determination and conviction when she says, "I am free!  I am free to be me! I can be anything I want to be!",  I have no doubt that Perri will rise.  She will rise and hopefully many other little ones in our schools will rise to great heights along with her.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE AMAZING VIDEO OF PERRI JONES!

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