Hold Fast to Dreams

Dreams

Langston Hughes, 1902 - 1967

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Dreamers are those who envision and contemplate endless possibilities or opportunities. It is those who dream that embrace challenges with an understanding that obstacles rise and fall, but dreams shall remain alive be forever held in one’s heart and mind. In honor of Black History Month, Winston Consulting Services would like to celebrate and pay homage to the dreamers, the visionaries, and the very shoulders on which we stand. Had it not been for dreamers or visionaries, we may not be where we are today. Though we have so far to go, the progress made in African American history has transcended and should not be overlooked or negated.

Bessie Coleman, born January 26th, 1892, had a dream of flying. Born African-American, Native-American, and a woman, she had no flight-school opportunities in the United States. Not giving up on her dream, she saved enough money to go to France where she was given the opportunity to become the first African-American and Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license. Carter Godwin Woodson, born December 19th, 1875, dreamed of a better education and an opportunity for all to experience and learn African American history. It was Carter Godwin Woodson who found and established the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. His dream became reality when he launched the celebration of “Negro History Week" which was the precursor for Black History Month. Shirley Chisholm was born November 30th, 1924 became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress. She dreamed of providing benefits for domestic workers and education for disadvantaged students entering college. In an effort to put her dream into action, Shirley Chisholm became the first black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States and the first black woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

While we celebrate and carry on the dreams of our ancestors and those before us, let’s not forget to celebrate and support those who dream today. Lauran Smith, though a Memphis native, sought to support and celebrate local African American restaurants in Chicago who rarely receive recognition for their amazing food and beverages. Running strong for it’s third year, Chicago Black Restaurant Week will be celebrated February 11th-18th. Be sure to check out the lineup at chiblackrestaurantweek.com.

Rendel Solomon is the creator of One Stock One Future. It is his vision and mission to make one million children share holders in the stock of their choice. To accomplish this, children are taught the basics about financial literacy, company stock, and investment accounts. With the help of their parents or guardians, children are donated one share of stock which immediately turns them into shareholders. Rendel makes it his purpose to reach out and give back to the community where he was raised, K-Town, to give children the financial education and resources to build generational wealth. More information can be found at onestockonefuture.org.

Last but certainly not least, Damirra Bolden is the founder of Starr Fitness. Five years ago, Starr Fitness was launched to give African American women an alternate solution to cardio where they could have fun, lose weight, and bond as women in a comfortable and safe space. Starr Fitness continues to be a platform for women to exercise, be active, and grow comfortable in your own skin. Feel free to check out their instagram and facebook pages for inspiration, motivation, and class schedules.

Langston Hughes poem, Dreams, taught us to hold fast to our dreams, lest it die. What have your dreams consisted of lately? What do you dream about that continues to make your blood flow and your heart palpitate every time you think about it? What dreams did you have as a child that you have long forgotten or let go? What dreams have you let die? Dreams are merely thoughts until they are put into action. I challenge you to take advantage of the times and put one dream, one thought, one vision into action. Although January is but a memory, it doesn’t mean that it’s too late for you to create a vision and implement a plan for that vision. Every day we live, is a day to create, plan, and implement. Dream big, then dream bigger.