“I’m not trying to discourage you,” Damfo said. “But I must let you know the things a healer turns his back on are innumerable. These are things of the world. Not only things of the flesh, but also things touching the spirit. There’s comfort and wealth. There’s also love, the respect of close ones. Even fame, the respect of distant people. Power among men. The satisfaction of being known wherever you go. These are the things that sweeten life for men. The healer turns his back on all of them.”
“Do you think I have not understood that?” Densu asked.
“It’s hard to go away from the things everyone is going toward. It’s lonely. It’s hard to live the way a healer must necessarily live. It’s hard to live without respect in the world.”
“Does a healer have no respect?” Densu asked.
“Not in the world as it is now. But he does have respect. Only from those who know the value of his work. Those are always few.” – The Healer by Armah
I’ve been asked to share just a few words and thoughts on my teacher, ELDER and Jenga Dr. Mutulu Shakur. Jenoch as defined by Elder Sage, Dr. Wade Nobles:
“Those special people who have (1) been tested in struggles or battle, (2) demonstrated extraordinary and unusual fearlessness, (3) shown determination and courage in protecting her/his people, land, and culture, (4) shown diligence and dedication to our people, (5) produced an exceptionally high quality of work and (6) dedicated themselves to the protection, defense, nurturance and development of our young by advancing our people, place and culture.”
Dr. Mutulu Shakur has spent his entire life earning the above title and honor. He is deserving of all the love, respect, honor and attention we can draw and mobilize to assist him in his immediate release back to the communities all over this country who love him, miss him, and longing to embrace him as family.