Among the many tributes to civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson upon the occasion of his death this week the one that resonates most, at this time, is the recounting of his appearance on “Sesame Street” decades ago.
There he stood before a gathering of young children, a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-aged audience. He addressed and empowered them before they even knew what empower meant.
In reciting “I Am Somebody” he planted the seeds that would, hopefully, bloom into self-respect and dignity.
“I am,” he said. “Somebody!” they shouted in response.
“I may be poor, but I am—”
“Somebody!”
“I may be young, but I am—”
“Somebody!”
“I may be on welfare, but I am—”
“Somebody!”
“I may be small, but I am—”
“Somebody!”
“I may make mistakes, but I am—”
“Somebody!”
“My clothes are different, my face is different, my hair is different, but I am—”
“Somebody!”
“I am Black, Brown, White, I speak a different language but I must be respected. Protected, never rejected. I am God’s child. I am—”
“Somebody!”
The sentiment, as is, resonates. But in light of the recent campus walkouts by local high school students in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement heavy-handed dragnets locally and nationwide, the call and response takes on added meaning.
The young boys and girls got the message. They understand that in times of oppression and injustice, those who are bullied are in need of support.
I am somebody’s neighbor.
I am somebody’s friend.
I am somebody’s classmate. Teammate. Coworker. Partner. Mother. Father. Son. Daughter.
I am somebody in need.
I am somebody who is free.
I am somebody who can help.
I am somebody who will speak out.
I am somebody who will see injustice and say ‘No, not today.’
I may be young. I may be scared. I may mistakes but I will speak up. I will make a difference.
I am somebody.
