Nitanju Bolade Casel
Member of the Grammy Award-Winning Troupe Sweet Honey in the Rock
United States

For My Children

“Please know that there were also visionaries who worked endlessly for positive changes in this world—changes to benefit the many, not just the few; you may have to do the same.”

As we move toward the 2015 U.N. climate talks in Paris, my prayers are for you, your children and your children's children's children. May the outcome be in your favor; for your future. I pray that you will be blessed not only with a better world than we have today, but also the courageous wisdom to nurture and respect all living things. It is a privilege to inhabit the Earth; a gift we share with all other forms of Life. I pray that you will honor and protect this special treasure. I pray that you will see yourselves in one another, understand that we are all connected and move forward with love for humankind; for all living things. And although we have not always been kind, you can begin. Be kind. Humanity has repeatedly moved against itself toward destruction throughout history; rarely seeming to learn from past mistakes. Learn. Please know that there were also visionaries who worked endlessly for positive changes in this world—changes to benefit the many, not just the few; you may have to do the same. Work. 

And remember to pray for your children's children's children. Your prayers will be waiting for them when they arrive … Pray.

Bolade Casel is a member of the Grammy Award-winning troupe Sweet Honey in the Rock, an all-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble.