In the Ghetto
We started the morning visiting the District Six Museum. Tomorrow marks the 35th anniversary of the forced removal of 60,000 “colored” citizens during the apartheid era. (“Colored” is a term still used in South Africa to denote those of mixed decent). The bustling town of artists, merchants, former slaves and other immigrants was literally bulldozed. The gentleman who spoke with us, Noor, was a former resident of District 6 who lost his family’s home and had no choice but to relocate. He told us his story with grace. He spoke about forgiveness. This is an overarching theme here — forgiveness. Letting go. Finding peace. It has hard to imagine how people are able to do this, when everything was taken from these people — their homes, theIr belongings and sometimes their lives –whether we are talking about District 6 or the crimes against black people during the apartheid era.
But there were things that were not taken from these people, no matter what they endured. Their heart, their hope, their love, their faith. It is truly inspiring, yet at times unfathomable. I think about the things in my life that have happened to me, that I’m still upset about; about the people I still hold grudges against, for silly things like getting cut from the basketball team, and it’s ridiculous, right? How can someone be robbed of so much and but still hold so much love in their heart?
The answer, I think, may be found in this poem found inscribed on the wall of the Muir Street Mosque in District Six:
Enthusiasm is the vehicle of my life
Contemplation to Allah is my compassion
Faith is the source of my power
Sorrow is my friend
Knowledge is my weapon
Truth is my salvation
Worship is my heart
Love of all men is the core my belief
Profound.
by Maura Manzo
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Maura Manzo is a Global Seva Challenge 2010 participant.
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