We, sisters worked through several struggles, on the bus. We also shared information on who we were and what we did, individually, thereby hoping to assist each other with our various professions. That experience, in itself, was enough of a validation that Black women are strong, determined and able. We have always been whether in the home compounds in the Motherland-Africa, fighting the slave traders, or on the boats during the Middle Passage, experiencing the horrors of slavery; along with the realities of living in America in the '90s for our families. 

But, back to the glorious day! Because of not getting an early enough start (5:00 a.m.), we didn't get to see the 1,000 welcoming African drummers or participate in the prayer vigil and march to the site. On arrival at the wharf, massive congestion shrouded Philadelphia's Market Street (it was filled to the brim with two million plus beautiful sisters). Rather than get lost or further delayed on the subway, we walked the damp, chilly twenty-something blocks to arrive at Ben Franklin Parkway, the final destination. All along the way, it was evident we were apart of something special, something awesome people greeted each other with such warmth and happiness! We met Black vendors selling bean pies, tee-shirts, liberation flags, buttons and so forth. Even the volumes of police were friendly and apparently glad they were chosen for the overtime opportunity to see and experience this. It was clear that we all were on a mission! 

However, once we arrived the 'real deal - spiritual piece' was felt! We couldn't inch forward anywhere near the stage - there were just too many of us! There were several generations in some groups. Our groups were separated from each other depending on how fast you walked and if you stopped along the way. My small group was in the segment that carried our banner 'Louisiana and Mississippi Sisters in and on the Move - No More Business as Usual' created by local artist Doug Redd. The sign and the spirit of my sisters garnered us a lot of attention. The 'We are One' spirit got us. We danced and sang We are family, I got all my Sisters with me and Funga Ala-Fiya Ashe Ashe, We're from New Orleans Ashe, Ashe proudly carrying our banner. It, also, was a fantastic feeling to see millions of red, black and green liberation flags or rasta flags waving whenever a speaker said something that touched our souls. 

The speakers were awesome! From Sister Soulja shaking up the complacent, to Congresswoman Maxine Waters staying on the case - reminding us of the problem areas to diligently oversee, and Mama Winnie Mandela closing us out. She actually praised us for being strong and overcoming the obstacles we have in America. Jada Pinkette guided the program along. Many others lifted their voices to the beauty of who we are and what we must do to keep our families and communities intact and bring back the spiritual, principled way of regaining our village (extended family) approach to childrearing and problem-solving. It was a 12- hour day, but worth every minute! 

The positive vibes and spirits carried us through, back to the bus, to find three missing sisters, begin our journey home and talk through every little quirk that arose! We carried on like you would with your family at home. We were our own version of the movie Soul Food. Sometimes we were loving and sometimes not. We were not 'messy' or 'catty'! We proved we could 'do this' and got to a point of consensus where everyone who wanted to share was heard and their points discussed. Through it all, we healed, celebrated and renewed our vow and commitment to what we must accomplish at home. One suggestion was to encourage our community to move away from the madness of Christmas overspending and consider a more practical and meaningful Kwanzaa approach to gift-giving. We set a date to gather and fine-tune goals, before the holiday frenzy! This sister was proud to have been a part of this historical event, both in Philly and on the bus.