"Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all

I have never been a joiner. In elementary school I was made to join in on volleyball at recess. I was made to participate in recitals and Tom Thumb weddings because my mom was told that it would help to make me more well-rounded. In high school, I chose to join the glee club and the modern dance class. I was always partial to the arts. In college, I never desired to join a sorority and I had no desire to work as a team on assignments. On the government job, I was made to team up with co-workers on projects. Often, they got frustrated with me because I did not adhere to time lines. I got my part of the job done before the deadline but it was the many little deadlines that got on my nerves.

Time brings about a change and I found something that I wanted to join in on! Imani Temple was the first institution that I chose to join. Why? I was radical, I was a fighter for the oppressed and this is what I saw in Imani Temple. I realized that I had to be a part of an organization that made a difference for African Americans.

Joining anything means that you desire to be dedicated to that which you join; otherwise, why bother joining. Author and motivational speaker, Bryant McGill said, “Join me in my quest for a greater understanding of our existence. Join me in my desire for a greater self. Join me as I seek the humility to love and understand my fellow man.” This is how I feel about being a part of Imani Temple because this is what we strive for in our Imani Nation. The God-truth that is learned in a church environment is to be expressed in our everyday living. This is why we go to church!

Whenever important events occur in the Imani Nation I try hard not to miss them. I want to be a part of history and because we have made history, most of what we do is still making history. We still live, move and have our being as an institution of faith. Imani is more than just our history our presence still has a significant impact on the world. We still have impact on those who strive to make a change for the better in other institutions. We give hope to those who feel downtrodden, lost and afraid. There are those who desire the courage to step out and do a new thing. We must not take our existence for granted…we ARE on purpose. We must never become lackadaisical about our existence in Imani. No matter how difficult things get we must be determined enough to stand together. Each of us has the brilliance to create a stronger foundation if we believe in what we chose to join so many years ago. I have always taught people that when you join a church, don’t join for a man or a woman because you will get lost; rather, join to learn more about God and your journey toward God.

Be clear…if you join an institution, be willing to fight by putting in the time and energy for the institution or walk away. This is the spirit of revolution. This is what I chose to join in 1989.