A Christmas Story: Amazing Grace...

The '2016 Amazing Grace' commemorative ornament is a special ornament that celebrates the history of South Carolina and of the United States. Each ornament is signed by the artist and includes a scroll with the story of how this piece was created. It is a symbol of good will to all men; One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."  'Amazing Grace' is a great addition to any Christmas tree. 

Congressman John Lewis, Civll Rights Icon

On June 25, 2016, I had the honor of giving a heartfelt presentation of my painting 'Freedom's Door' to Civil Rights Icon, Congressman John R. Lewis, in Washington D.C.,  on be half of the 20th Year Celebration of the Tri Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a sponsor of the John Lewis Documentary Project. I was inspired to paint Freedom’s Door based upon New Year's Eve of the Emancipation Proclamation. Written on the door, in the Gullah dialect, are the thoughts of a person walking through the door for the very last time as a slave. During the presentation of the painting, I recited the words written on Freedom's Door.  As I recited the words from the door, tears began to roll down Congressman Lewis' cheeks. As I looked upon the face of this very humble man, I spoke these words, "I have the opportunity to do something some people may never get to do, or simply forget to do, and that is to simply say thank you. Thank you for every word you've spoken. Thank you for every step you've taken. Thank you for every traumatic blow you have endured by the hands of those that hated you. Thank you for every sit-in you have organized and every sit-in you have participated in." 

 I then began to question myself aloud, "How can I love a man whom I have never met?" The answer, "It's because he has done so much for me." Congressman Lewis was also given my 'Amazing Grace' 2016 commemorative ornament. The ornament depicts a woman carrying, what seems to be a child wrapped in a blanket, on December 31, 1862; a very special evening for the enslaved Africans. It was the night before the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, freeing all the slaves in the ​Confederate states. The Amazing Grace ornament represents freedom for all; One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I asked him to deliver another to the White House and the Congressman agreed. It is being presented special delivery to the White House for the Christmas tree by one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced," John Lewis.  A man who has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls "The Beloved Community” in America.  Congressman Lewis is someone whose dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won him the admiration of many ​of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress; "The conscience of the U.S. Congress,” as he is called. Roll Call magazine has said, "John Lewis is a genuine American hero and moral leader who commands widespread respect in the chamber.” I could not have asked of a better person to deliver 'Amazing Grace' to the White House.

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