DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Ernest Rodriguez speeches, 1976-2006 | Toastmaster Speech by Ernest Rodriguez Page 2

Transcribe
Translate

Ernest Rodriguez speeches, 1976-2006

Toastmaster Speech by Ernest Rodriguez Page 2

exploring and playing in the piles of white sand which was used in the foundry. Although we led an austere life compared to life now, I remember with nostalgia the genuine neighborliness and how families helped on another when there was a need and comforted each other in times of crises. During neighborly visits our parents shared home made beer or whine and children meals prepared by our mothers. We also shared the same town pump and (outhomer.?)
   However, at the age of nine this wonderful childhood ended with the demise of old Holy City giving way to industrial progress and our family moved to Davenport, It was in Davenport at a young and tender age I experienced cultural shock and learned the ugly presence of bigotry it reared itself up like a demon from Dantes Inferno to instill fear in trusting heart, and a feeling of inferiority in the impressionable mind of an innocent young child. However, the strong Christian faith and power of love of my parents provided me with the strength to endure and overcome. My determination was reenforced in school where I learned the principles of fairplay and basic human rights were the foundation of this great nation of ours.  I promised myself that someday I would help to make this a better world to live in free of prejudice and discrimination. After many years of hard work, self-education and civil rights involvement I find myself in a position to continue to realize this lifelong goal. I strongly believe that all of us as members of one human family claiming one God as our Creator and citizens of a coutry founded on Christian principles share a common responsibility for promoting understanding and mutual respect for one another. I am confident that such an effort will enhance the quality of life of ourselves, our families, and future generations to come.

Saving...

exploring and playing in the piles of white sand which was used in the foundry. Although we led an austere life compared to life now, I remember with nostalgia the genuine neighborliness and how families helped on another when there was a need and comforted each other in times of crises. During neighborly visits our parents shared home made beer or whine and children meals prepared by our mothers. We also shared the same town pump and (outhomer.?) However, at the age of nine this wonderful childhood ended with the demise of old Holy City giving way to industrial progress and our family moved to Davenport, It was in Davenport at a young and tender age I experienced cultural shock and learned the ugly presence of bigotry it reared itself up like a demon from Dantes Inferno to instill fear in trusting heart, and a feeling of inferiority in the impressionable mind of an innocent young child. However, the strong Christian faith and power of love of my parents provided me with the strength to endure and overcome. My determination was reenforced in school where I learned the principles of fairplay and basic human rights were the foundation of this great nation of ours. I promised myself that someday I would help to make this a better world to live in free of prejudice and discrimination. After many years of hard work, self-education and civil rights involvement I find myself in a position to continue to realize this lifelong goal. I strongly believe that all of us as members of one human family claiming one God as our Creator and citizens of a coutry founded on Christian principles share a common responsibility for promoting understanding and mutual respect for one another. I am confident that such an effort will enhance the quality of life of ourselves, our families, and future generations to come.