Mrs. Alexander's Speech
Following is Almetto Howey Alexander's Speech at "Our Moment in History," August 21, 2010:
Good Evening,
This is a great occasion. What a wonderful time! What a wonderful time!
If the late Dorothy Irene Height — one of the leaders of the world and President of the National Council of Negro Women, of which I am a member — were here in one of her fabulous hats, I know she would proclaim that it is Time To Open Wide The Gates of Heaven!
This day is very special for me and I want to thank my husband for his patience during this long journey.
Since 2002 I've had a dream of bringing a labyrinth to Charlotte. I learned about labyrinths while visiting my cousin, Rosetta, and her family in Phoenix, Arizona. Their discussions and labyrinth experiences touched my soul, inspired me, planted a seed and an idea for a dream I didn't know was within me.
On my return flight home from Arizona, the power of the heavenly father led my eyes to a magazine in the seat pocket in front of me. It was filled with information on labyrinths.
I have been driven ever since to bring this opportunity to the northwest community and Charlotte at large for an outlet to expand spiritual growth through the labyrinth pathways.
But, like many worthwhile ideas brought to fruition, the journey has been long. This seed that was planted in 2002 has been drowned, dried out and resifted, requiring digging deeper to turn the soil. But through the years this seed never died — sometimes void of nourishment, but it never died.
Through time and patience, faith, persistence and prayer, a dream which I would not allow to be continuously deferred — and ultimately the God spirit within me which said that a labyrinth would offer the northwest community an expansion of self, inner peace, collective opportunities for groups, and something wholesome and positive — helped me to forge onward.
The spiritual guidance and support of Rev. Brad Humphrey helped to keep the dream stable. And Reverend Dr. Cheryl Dudley saying, "You'll make it!"
So the seed could not die, even with the sometimes turbulent storms it encountered. Instead, it received water and fertilizer through these wonderful board members who provided roots for growth.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man of action said, "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love."
Out of nowhere it seemed, sunshine and rain came first through the YMCA's vision and willingness to listen and HEAR, understand the concept, believe in the dream and provide a home through which the seed could grow into a young planting.
The sun continued to shine through an entire family. First there was Tom Schulz who nurtured my dream, offered his support in so many ways, and then engaged his entire family of artists: his wife Sheila, sister Mary de Wit, and daughter, Carrie. They have donated innumerable hours in design, marketing, and websites which helped to thatch the soil and expand this planting to nearly a full grown tree, touching areas within and beyond Charlotte in ways that we had not envisioned. It is strong — roots firmly planted.
And then the people responded — you. They too wanted this dream to become reality. The donations began and continue. So. You know where I started, a little about the journey, where we are — and where we will be.
So what is this labyrinth thing anyway?
A labyrinth is a metaphor for "Life's Journey." It offers lessons as you walk the path. And walking this path can assist us in addressing life's challenges, through meditation and quiet introspection of the mind as one seeks peace and serenity.
Every labyrinth has a center which signifies wholeness and completion — the heart of the matter — our heart.
When we are in the center we can see the big picture — the pattern of our life laid out all around us and find solutions for challenges we may face.
There are many stories told about labyrinths and how one is helped by them. There will be many more stories from those who walk the labyrinth at the McCrorey YMCA. It will be completed this fall thanks to the community response and this great foundation board.
I have had the gift of longevity. I've seen a lot of good things and a lot not so good during my 89 years. But what I know for sure is that you must stay the course for those things you know are the right thing to do and will help others.
And I know that if you don't believe in your own dreams, goals or aspirations, then certainly no one else will. Many of those who have come forth to help me in this effort I had never met, but they each came with open hearts to serve, to give. They brought their unique talents and skill sets. They have worked long and hard, and made many sacrifices to help move the project forward.
We have moved forward with clearer purpose and with conviction.
The seed has taken on a life of its own … and brought forth the fruit.
Thank you.