Whatever happened to having pride about where you are from? Whatever happened to defending the city if someone says rude comments about the place you call home? Raleigh Natives, what happened to city pride?
"North Carolina, come on and raise up, take your shirt off and twist like your head like a hellacopta!" Petey Pablo, a North Carolina native, sings this with pride in his song 'Raise Up.' When did we, as city citizens, lose that joyous pride in our hometown?
I'm not saying that everyone should be dancing in the street all time, and walking into rundown buildings taking there shirts off and twirling them around there heads. But what happened to loving the place you came from? It seems like the excitement has just disappeared.
In all transparency, let me start off with my background. I am a Raleigh, NC native, born at Wake Medical Center. I've attended several elementary schools in the area such as Emma Conn, and Powell G.T Magnet. Years later, my parents decided to move to the Wendell/Knightdale area in 1999, and as of now that is where I resided. So, who cares where I am from? Some may tell me, "It's just Raleigh". Otherwise, that should not be the phrase of where I am from. I refuse that I should let comments similar to that slide, or falsely claim that I live in the area "somewhat" of Raleigh. That is extremely bogus and uncalled for.
To all my Raleigh native, let stop this madness and bring originality back. Since it is 2016, Raleigh has made some tremendous changes throughout the years. Some are great, such as getting rid of most of the crime infested neighborhood areas, building new structures that brings in more job opportunities, as well as making the city more well-rounded and diverse in other cultures.
As new creations, and inventions are just really questionable as well. For instance, why new homes and buildings in downtown being made, when an institution like St. Augustine and Shaw university that has been in heart of Raleigh for decades should be consider as an priority when it comes to renovations to better the community and their students. And why do we still have a single homeless shelter off of Wilmington street that can only hold but so many, but the city offers new businesses chances to raise money to build and modified their building, or taking up land to build a concert stadium by Red Hat?
Also, do not get me started on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Garden. As of now, construction is in progress, but if the monument is down, for sure all hell will break lose. That is statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a product and a reminder of the civil rights movement in America was real, and it we should still continue to be equal. Nevertheless, the diversity now is awesome, but when it comes to going out to eat at certain restaurant that is not in particularly offering southern food for example, instantly the employees are robotic, culture and personality washed if they are from Raleigh. Whatever happen to that true southern dialect?
Overall, diversity in Raleigh is overrated. It seem like the citizens of Raleigh of this age has lost the importance of where they are from, and the lack of comparing how the originality from back then until now. Unlike others, I can say I was no different from being shallow from where I was from until I a trip down memory lane. One night, I decided to pass Sasser Street and that is where it all begun. The house that I grew up in was demolished, and as of now new homes are being built that cost around 500,000 thousand dollars. I cannot describe to you how it felt, but I can truly say that I now know what it is like to have a place called "home" to be taken away from me. Right then and there I knew that I was not from Raleigh anymore. I really lost a piece of my identity and childhood. But, all I have are my memories to hold on to and to possibly adventure out to different states or countries and make new memories.
After all, to all the new citizens that just moved from up north, or from the west coast, make it your daily homework and speak with individuals who lived here all of their lives, and truly ask them what are some old traditions that the city use to do together. Compare and contrast history as you explore the areas of downtown, and other rural areas. Familiarize yourself with the history, and diversity of the urban communities. And of course be a help to anyone who is in need. And as a sidenote, become a southern foodies and check out Mr. Wonderfuls Chicken and Waffles, Cooper's BBQ or The Pit.
Also, remember to be proud of where you are from, and let others know it as soon as they see you.
"North Carolina! Come on and raise up!"
