Revisiting older texts (contexts) in writing provides so many gifts to the author. Today is no different from others when I go back to old notes to recall why I made certain connections, especially to historical works that are so seemingly unrelated. Then, I get a nugget–something new–that I perhaps hadn’t embraced before that now seems impossible to ignore.
I started going back through The Crisis years ago. Today, I looked at volume 33; it is a 100-year old text and reveals a sentiment that I am feeling as the year approaches its end. This was supposed to be such a celebratory time in the nation but has it ever really been that?
The Crisis, Dec. 1926, 33 (2), p. 65
The pages are their own megaphone and amplifier. They are screaming, don’t forget to check the record. The real record. We want to celebrate. We want to have joy. BUT, perhaps the luxury found in the pursuit of happy-ness is a knowledge of truths concealed in parades, rallies and advertisements. Frederick Douglass describes it so masterfully in 1854:
…guided by wisdom, manned with truth, fidelity and industry, the haven of peace, devoutly wished for by all, may be reached in safety by all…
My joy shall be full, if, on this occasion, I shall be able to give a right direction to any one mind…
There are so many moments of confusing history but of this I am assured. Our joy comes from our knowing. We have been taught to take refuge (or maybe find it) in understanding. The ONLY way to truly understand is to return to something, again and again. It is gainful indeed to revisit a place you have been before. It is not a waste (if you don’t let it be)…it is home.
