Upon The Bent Shoulders Of Those Who Strained Under The Load Was Obama Raised Up

History will judge the accomplishments of Barack Obama and refine the story that will be told.  But a significant prologue to his story is finally being written in Northern Kentucky as a long overdue honor is bestowed upon the memory, and accomplishments of James Simpson Jr. 

The city of Covington has announced that it will name a new street in his memory.  The street is that one leading to the new health facility along I-75 just visible now as drivers negotiate that final curve at the bottom of "the hill" on their approach through Covington to the Ohio River and on to Cincinnati.

In many more ways than perhaps the city fathers envisioned, naming that street for this man carries tremendous symbolism.

From the accounts of those who knew him, James Simpson Jr. was a kind and gentle man of solid character.  He supported his family by being of service to the families of others in their most difficult hour of need.  He raised a son who followed in his father's footsteps, offering himself up to public service, a son whose reputation for trustworthiness and integrity has earned him what is a shamefully rare place in the ranks of elected public officials, the respect of all who know him.

James Simpson Jr. was a city commissioner for the city of Covington.  His business was the Jones and Simpson Funeral home.  He served on the Northern Kentucky Airport Board and impressed everyone he met with the solid quality of his character and the kindness of his spirit.

In his precious little spare time he loved to play golf, eventhough during his lifetime it would have been rare to see him at a country club.  You see, if by now you recognize why he deserved to be honored with having a street named in his memory, you have come to see the man himself.

What you need to know however is that as he accomplished these things he did so as an African American, in fact he was the first African American to serve on the Covington City commission.  It is for this reason that naming the first road travelers driving north on I-75 will see just as the Ohio River and the city of Cincinnati come into view is so symbolic. 

You see, there was a time in America when the sight of that river and the land on the other side symbolized the end of a long and dangerous journey toward freedom for thousands of Africans who wanted only to become full fledged Americans.  Cresting that last hill before the run to the river must have given them the energy and determination to go on just a little bit further to the place where their freedom could be secured.

While the election of Barack Obama will rightly be recorded as another milestone in that journey, it would be disrespectful and historically inaccurate to suggest he got there on his own.  It was upon the shoulders of those who strained under their load for many years that Obama was finally raised up.  And it is fitting, and proper, and just that one of those fine men will be remembered each time someone drives along the road named in his honor. 

But for those who are really paying attention to history, as they negotiate that long sweeping curve out of the hills of Kentucky, there set against the backdrop of the mighty Ohio and the land of freedom on her north shore, will be a sign bearing the proud name of James Simpson Jr.

I suspect that it will provide just the kind of marker which will give everyone with a love of history, a reason to tell his story time and time again.  And his story is exactly the kind we need to be telling to our children.  It is the story of a dream come true, where a man was in fact known by the quality of his character rather than the color of his skin.  It is the story of hope, and promise and determination.  Not just in words, or sound bites or commercials, but in flesh and blood and legacy.

For all who played a part in securing this honor for James Simpson Jr., congratulations.  It is not often that we get the chance to carve such important messages for the future into the stone tablet of our American history.

Comments

[Jordan Smith Jr.]

Great to see. Being one of the fortunate to have met and known Mr. Simpson, let me say he didn't strive for honors, they just kept following him. I remember Mr. Simpson as I remember JFK, Martin L. King Jr. and any other good thing in my life. I'm sure Obama is good, but I KNOW Mr. Simpson is great. Blessed are those who knew him.

[Cousin Pat/Peawee's daughter]

Praise the Lord!! and may The Lord be glorified in all of this. There are many roads a man may take in his life time, and they may lead into many different places or directions, however the steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord. Thank God, Cousin James was listening. Thank you also for that rich history of one of our family members. How precious to know.

[Jason]

What a great honor for an even greater man! Love you Uncle Jr.!

[stan]

What a touching tribute. well done.

a fitting tribute to a good man