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Slavery began in 1619 when Africans were captured and sold as slaves and sent to the far corners of the earth. Within the last century -- particularly since the decolonization of Africa -- Africans, now known as African Americans, have been studying and living in many nations throughout the world.
From the beginning of time, we have been known as colored, Negro, Black and, now, African American.
African and African American history forms an intricate design, weaving together good and evil, freedom and slavery, justice and repression. It is a history that has touched almost every major civilization since the beginning of recorded time.
One of the most talented actresses who lived among us was Cicely Tyson, an African American who was 97 when she died on Jan. 28. Her brilliant performances, along with her resilience, grace and compassion, made her an icon. Tyson stated that she would not play a role that did not project us, African Americans. She added that we must never give up on our strength, and that we must always hold onto the rock, even if it is the last rock, which represents unity, and unity always brings strength. Without that rock, we will fail.
Her movies included "Sounder," "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," "A Woman Called Moses" and many others.
She starred in many stage and screen roles, won Tony and Oscar awards and the Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tyson's ability to be steadfast, consistent and unwavering from what she thought was important brought her success. She was an example for all of us, particularly African Americans.
We have become the best of musicians, artists, literary figures and athletes. Tyson was a trailblazer who stated that "She had done her best."
The civil rights movement started in 1955, through Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Ala., when she was told by the bus driver that she couldn't sit in the front of the bus, but had to sit in the back. She and her organization, the NAACP, contacted Martin Luther King Jr., who had just assumed the presidency of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta in 1955.
King and his members heeded her call. Marches, walks and strikes were embarked on. So it was -- the civil rights movement began. And it isn't over yet -- however, God, within his omnipotent power, can and will by faith and through faith help all of us to find that rock and stand on it without wavering.
We thank God for his keeping power, which is the rock, and his rock came through our ancestors. I am very proud to be an African American in this day and age.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, keep us forever in our hearts, we pray. Lift every voice and sing.
(Wiggins, a resident of Steubenville, is president of the Ohio Valley Black Caucus Inc.)