The hate and scorn showered on us Negro officers by our fellow

Listen closely, O children of the future, for the words of Charles Hamilton Houston speak not only of a man’s life but of the spirit of resistance, of justice, and of the human soul's unyielding thirst for dignity. In the face of great adversity, he said, "The hate and scorn showered on us Negro officers by our fellow Americans convinced me that there was no sense in my dying for a world ruled by them. I made up my mind that if I got through this war I would study law and use my time fighting for men who could not strike back." These words, born from the fires of suffering, hold within them the power to shape and guide the hearts of those who seek justice and equality.

What does it mean, O children, to face the hatred and scorn of your fellow man, to be treated not as an equal, but as an inferior? Charles Hamilton Houston, a man who fought in World War I, faced such disdain not only on the battlefield but in the very land he fought to protect. His sacrifice was no less than that of his white counterparts, yet he was met with prejudice and rejection. His courage, tested not by the fire of war alone, but by the dehumanizing force of racism, led him to a profound realization. It is a realization that rings true in every age: there is no honor in fighting for a world that does not see your worth.

In the shadow of this injustice, Houston made a vow—a vow to fight for those who could not strike back. His words speak to a deeper truth, one that transcends the battlefield. For what is a warrior, O children, if he does not fight for something greater than himself? Houston, in the face of hatred, found his calling not in the sword, but in the law. He understood that the true battle was not to be fought with weapons, but with ideas, with words, and with the strength of justice. As he would later become a renowned lawyer and civil rights leader, Houston’s commitment to equality and freedom became his lifelong mission.

Reflect, O children, on the words of another great warrior, Nelson Mandela, who, after enduring the cruelest treatment, said, "I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb." Like Houston, Mandela’s path was not one of immediate reward or recognition, but one of relentless pursuit of justice against the weight of oppression. Both men knew that true strength lay not in vengeance but in the pursuit of a better world—a world where all men, regardless of color or creed, could stand as equals.

Yet Houston’s lesson is not confined to the struggles of the past. His decision to study law, to become a champion of those who could not defend themselves, is a call to all who seek to make a difference. It is a reminder that the battle for freedom, for justice, is not fought on the front lines alone but in the courts, in the hearts of individuals, and in the laws that govern society. Houston’s journey into law was not merely a career choice—it was a sacred mission to use his voice and knowledge to uplift the oppressed, to fight for those whose cries went unheard.

The lesson of Houston’s life is a timeless one, children: the true battle is not always visible, nor is it always fought in open conflict. It is fought in the hearts of those who, despite their suffering, choose to rise up and seek change. Whether in the courtrooms, in the streets, or in the quiet spaces of everyday life, the fight for justice requires more than courage—it requires purpose. It calls upon you to act not out of revenge, but out of a deep-seated desire to change the world for the better.

Now, hear me, O children, and take this to heart: when you encounter hate, when you face adversity, do not turn away. Know that in every struggle there is an opportunity to rise, to choose the path of righteousness, and to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Whether it is through the power of law, the courage of your voice, or the strength of your hands, be a beacon of justice in a world that too often seeks to dim the light of equality. Do not let the hatred of others dictate your actions. Instead, let love, justice, and the pursuit of a better world guide you forward. For, like Charles Hamilton Houston, it is not the battles fought on the field that define us, but the wars we choose to fight with wisdom, courage, and honor.