July 21, 2008, an unforgettable day in my life.
“This morning when I rose up, I didn’t have no doubt . . .” I wanted to be sad, but my faith and understanding would not allow me to enter that door. Instead, I chose to enter the door marked gladness and thanksgiving. Thanks be to God for the life of Khia Danielle Edgerton. Today, I ask myself and you, “where were you when her bright light was extinguished?” To the best of my ability, this is what I remember . . .
The days were highly emotional, and in fact began to blend because of the intensity of the grief we felt during the week of Khia Danielle Edgerton’s death. Throughout the observance of the home going services of our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and our first born princess; one who never fully embraced that title and would later be heralded as a “Queen”. Though she was a celebrity to many, those of us who had her in our lives for those precious years, felt there was much more to her life than her music. We, knew of her vast talents, but never imagined the impact, nor the lives she touched, and the level of grief that would engulf our city.
Throughout the week, as we made futile attempts to grieve privately, we felt compelled to greet and address the overwhelming grief and needs of her fans. While we stood in amazement, we each made the commitment that there was more to be done beyond her transition to her final resting place.
In addition to the “Club Queen’s” amazing musical talents, she possessed an unrivaled ability to mobilize the community at every level. Through her life, and her untimely passing, she connected the masses across this city and the country through her amazing gifts. She was an ambassador for change, evidenced by her unique music style making its mark to elevate Baltimore’s Club Scene; she demonstrated what can result from determining one’s passion, and pursuing it without any regard to perceived limitations.
Our President, Barack Obama ,has given us a renewed hope that requires us to think differently, to come out of our comfort zone, and to put forth an effort to return America, our cities and our communities back to their position of prominence. In his victory speech on that historic evening in Chicago the night of his election, he said “This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”
Khia Danielle Edgerton, despite the obstacles she faced, never gave up, or gave in. Her destiny did not afford her the opportunity to cast her vote to elect Barack Obama to office; however, it was her fortitude that dared her to dream beyond what was visible; to seize every opportunity to further her goals and aspirations. Like President Obama, she discovered her purpose and passion, left nothing to chance and motivated thousands to bring about change.
What will you do to honor her legacy? Not sure . . . here’s what I suggest you might do:
- Give back to your community. Find a cause that you can support, and mobilize a group to take action to make a difference.
- Encourage our youth to dream. Find a young person, and inquire about their future plans. Help them to map their strategy and dare them to dream of the possibilities in life.
- Determine your passion, and then pursue it with a vengeance. Leave nothing on the table, and nothing to chance.
- And finally, pray without ceasing and exercise your faith. Among my favorite passages of scripture is one from Proverbs 3, 5:6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path."
If you accomplish any or all of these suggestions, then “her living will not be in vain”. Your actions might have Khia respond as only she can when she asks, “you good?” and you can say, “yeah, I'm good!”
In memory of my first born niece, from a grateful aunt with a grateful heart!
Garcia Edgerton Williams
07/21/2009
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