This summer, I’ve had the pleasure to attend various events featuring women and men that are making a

Yadkin Riverkeeper event featuring Erin Brockovich

difference by using their talent and passion to make a contribution. First, I attended the Yadkin Riverkeeper event featuring Erin Brockovich. Mayor Allen Joines of Winston-Salem was one of the speakers at this event held on the Wake Forest University Campus, June 2010. Erin was a bold, outspoken and captivating presence, and I’m so glad to have seen her in person.

Yadkin Riverkeeper event featuring Erin Brockovich

Mayor Allen Joines at the Yadkin Riverkeeper event featuring Erin Brockovich

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor’s cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out–

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–

It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

This movie is in my DVD collection. Chris’ story is a wonderful example of how talent, determination, perseverance and grace can pay off. This is one of the most powerful moments in the movie. It’s also a wonderful example to show the world that many African-American men are loving, commited and present fathers.