Where Are The Elders?
Recently a young black man called out to me, “Elder Reid, may I speak with you?” It was a sobering moment, not because the term “Elder” has come to mean someone senior in years. Hell, I am senior in years, and damn proud to have survived and earned every one of my 64 years. It was the term itself, which brought to mind what it used to signify in our communities. When I was a kid, it was used as a term of respect and recognition given by the people. You weren’t born an Elder; that status was earned by how you lived. The young man and I chatted for a few minutes and we went our separate ways, however the term “Elder” has stuck with me and caused me to reflect.
In life, as in sports, you reach a certain point in your career when you’ve got to make a decision; do I still want to run with and challenge the young players or am I ready now to coach? Perhaps one has learned enough to help the next in line become a better player?
We now live in a world where most folks, 60 and over, want to stay on the playing field. Using the sports metaphor, they still want to be the quarterback or the running back, the “marquee” player. Well, if the game is to get any better, somebody’s got to coach. Some of us need to do what in life, “Elders” do. It is time to take on the responsibilities of passing on the cultural traditions and experiences needed to support our communities.
Many of us have lived through difficult times, personally, professionally and politically. Some have had problems with the law, with alcohol or drugs, with family separation; some have seen things no person should ever witness. What we all have in common is the fact that we’ve survived and learned something from our experiences. I’m proud to step into that position because “back when” an Elder was there for me.