The Path My Grandfather Paved by Kiera

The Path My Grandfather Paved by Kiera - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

My grandfather was a man who grew up in a time when black lives were not worth much. Despite how dangerous living as an African American was, many people banded together to fight against the oppressors and win freedom. My grandfather, Charles Sherrod, was an important figure during this time.
My grandfather was a part of SNCC's early protests and his path in the fight led him to Albany, Georgia.
When my grandpa traveled to Albany to bring the freedom movement down south, he brought together a city of African-Americans, people that were tired of the injustice they constantly faced. His work in that city came with many triumphs that furthered the cause in irreversible ways. My grandpa and Albany stood together to fight the power that sought to hurt and kill them despite all odds saying it was useless to fight. He suffered through insults, death threats, and tireless nights to lead my hometown to freedom.
His work to end racism is still discussed daily in Albany by survivors of that period and their kin. Without the bravery shown by my grandpa, the life I live today would not be as it is. Without him, I would not understand the importance of loving myself for the color of my skin and the curls in my hair. Nor would I be able to truly appreciate how easygoing my life is without understanding how difficult his was.
My grandfather's brave acts are the main reason why I continue to work hard daily. Every morning I wake up to remember the legacy he has left behind and I persevere to live up to it. I wish to live up to the same standing he has and to help people in the same way.
My grandfather's work truly encourages me to get up on the days when I only feel like laying in bed. Day after day I continue forward without faltering due to the harsh conditions he suffered trying to bring freedom to my generation. I make every decision based on the fact that hundreds suffered so I could thrive. My grandpa is my main motivation in never giving up on my education because of how he suffered to give me the chance.