IF YOU ONLY HAD TWO MINUTES.

April 2, 2009 30 Comments by Duchess Harris

Welcome to my blog, “sister scholar.” I decided to begin my blog on April 2, which is Worldwide Autism Day. The first week in April has been a good week because I just found out that I have been awarded a $96,000 Bush Leadership fellowship! http://www.bushfellows.org/

What is that?

The Bush Foundation was established in 1953 by 3M executive Archibald Bush and his wife Edyth. The Foundation strives to be a catalyst to shape vibrant communities in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota by investing in courageous and effective leadership that significantly strengthens and improves the well-being of people in these three states.

Since 1975 approximately 20 Leadership fellows have been selected per year. Fellows include women and men in such fields as public service, education, government, health, business, engineering, architecture, science, farming, forestry, law, trade unions, law enforcement, journalism and social work.

This year, the foundation received 120 completed applications, they conducted 60 interviews, and 30 went to the finals. The final selection process was a 3-day, 2-night, retreat that included 10 interviews. The most significant aspect of the retreat was that you had no idea what questions you would be asked; and you were only allowed to prepare a two-minute introduction.

I ask you, what would you say if you were introducing yourself to 40 strangers and wanted ten of them to give you 96K, so that you could do something you always wanted to do?

I only had two minutes. I am sharing what I said in my interview to encourage you to never give up your dream – no matter what!

“James Baldwin reminds us that, God gave Noah the rainbow sign: no more water, fire next time. That was my response last year when I did not receive this fellowship. The rainbow is a symbol of hope; that’s OK, I’ll have the fire next time.

If vulnerability had a temperature it would not feel like fire; it would feel like January in Minnesota. My life changed in January 1999 when my son, Austin was born. For twenty months I thought he was perfect. My life changed again in January 2001 when I discovered my perfect son was living with autism.

I am still learning how to parent a non-verbal child, but I have moved beyond the sound of his silence, stopped listening for his voice, and for the first time I can hear his heart louder than his autism. For twenty months I thought he was perfect. Now I know he is.

I am proposing to work at the first women’s re-entry clinic at a law school that offers advocacy and also generates scholarship. My goal is to provide legal assistance to disenfranchised women and their families. This will benefit women who are leaving prison, and their children; it will also benefit the law students who are learning how to advocate for them.

Women who have been incarcerated need advocates and I know what it’s like to advocate for someone who doesn’t have a voice. My experience as a parent, an academic, and as a law student will help me to bring these women’s stories to a wider audience.

This clinic is unique because it combines a collaborative, grass-roots approach to research. The stories of these mothers have the potential to inspire law schools across the nation to open clinics similar to the one that I propose.

Just as you have listened to my story, I can listen to their stories, and let you hear their voices. God gave Noah the Rainbow sign, my name is Duch, I’m ready this time.”

I am proud to invite you to www.sisterscholar.com on Worldwide Autism Day. Please leave me a comment and share with your friends!

30 Comments

  1. Dennis Holmes
    1142 days ago

    Duchess, you never cease to amaze me….Never!!!! You inspire me with your with your life, your scholarship and your resilience. I am honored to have been your student. I could not be more proud of you. I am happy for your success, and wish nothing but the best in your new endeavour!

    -Dennis

  2. Anonymous
    1142 days ago

    Wowwwwww, you go, you powerful, glowing, generous, brilliant, force in the universe!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing your ’2 minute’ speech-what a gift to those who heard it at the Bush retreat, to those of us who have heard you deliver it in person, and to all who are able to absorb it from this blog.

    I am inspired by you, and am recommitted to continue to trying to make a difference!!! Kris

  3. Evelyn M. Simien
    1142 days ago

    Congratulations! What a HUGE accomplishment! I am VERY proud of you, as well as inspired to devote my life to a cause. I think I am on my way, but the most difficult part is figuring out the “how to” that is most effective, far-reaching, and so maximizes the talent I have to offer this world with the biggest, baddest impact. Thank you for this gift of motivation and empowerment through your personal testimony. Best, EMS

  4. julie
    1142 days ago

    Duchess-

    Beautiful site and I’ve already added your blog to my feeder so I can keep up with you. Happy for your accomplishments and so glad I can follow along.

  5. Amanda
    1142 days ago

    Duchess –

    I am so honored to have gotten to know you over the last two years. You are an amazing woman and I cannot believe all of the wonderful things that you are doing! Keep up the good work, and never forget me! I need good, wonderful, hardworking, devoted people like you in my life! Congrats on the book, on the fellowship, on the blog :) and just in general, congrats on being an inspiration to everyone around you.

  6. Amanda
    1142 days ago

    Duchess –

    You are so amazing! I cannot believe all of the wonderful things that you are doing and I know you will continue to do. Your resilience and determination amaze and awe me. You are an inspiration to so many people (including myself) and I strive everyday to be more like the person that you are. Congrats on the book, the fellowship, the blog :) and just in general for being one of the most hardworking, selfless people that I know.

  7. Anonymous
    1142 days ago

    Duchess,
    wow, fantastic keep going forward. Make a mark.individuals do make a difference!your cousin richard mann

  8. Anita
    1142 days ago

    You go girl! See my other post!

  9. Brittany Lewis
    1142 days ago

    Duchess,

    As a new mother I am always seeking the advice and strength of other Black female scholars. Your support during the last year has been irreplaceable and at many points the support I needed to push past the tears. There is no doubt in my mind that you will continue to make lasting contributions Black Womanhood through your scholar and activism. The project that you will soon undertake sounds amazing and I would love to be of service to you in anyway that will help you reach your goals.

  10. Alexa
    1142 days ago

    Great start, Duchess. I’ve always known there was a fire in you. What a great idea for a project. You saw a need nobody can ignore and are doing something about it.

  11. Anonymous
    1142 days ago

    Congratulations!! I’m constantly impressed and inspired by you–thank you!

  12. yocellie
    1142 days ago

    This is so exciting and inspiring! I’m so glad that I will be able to name you as one of the people in my life who don’t just talk but do!

  13. Derick Wilson
    1142 days ago

    I am so blown away by what you have acheived and are doing. Justice work is hard, but it is rewarding and the only way we really honor God, by serving those without voice and empowering those without strength. Blessings to you.

  14. Anonymous
    1142 days ago

    ¡Felicidades! Someday, when a student reads a biography of Duchess Harris, the wonder-woman scholar of the late 20th C./early 21st C., they will surely think the author is completely without objectivity and given to outrageous hyperbole. When the information is confirmed–because surely there will be more than one source–that student will be every bit as amazed as we, your contemporaries, have been. con todo respeto, edén

  15. Karin Aguilar-San Juan
    1142 days ago

    Wow Duch! This is a tribute to our Austin, who in his life has already taught us so much about silence and perseverance and perfection and humor. Next time he visits, I will hide those cans of Pepsi though. hugs, Karin

  16. Karin Aguilar-San Juan
    1142 days ago

    Dear Duchess
    Isn’t this an amazing tribute to our Austin, who at 9 years old has already taught us so much about silence and perserverance and perfection and humor. Next time he visits though, I’m hiding those cans of Pepsi. hugs, Karin

  17. CD Vauters
    1142 days ago

    Say what Duch…you are awesome!
    And you’ve also launched a new category of women: “wonder-wo”mom” scholars.
    Lovingly, 1st cousin, charmaine des’juan ” )

  18. spidadoc
    1142 days ago

    Congratulations on your fellowship, Duchess!

    Quite the amazing, inspiring speech. I’m sure your beautiful son has much to teach us neurotypicals. It’s great that he has a mother who is well-skilled to help him do it.

  19. Anonymous
    1142 days ago

    This is simply awesome Duch…yes, what a testament to Austin and to other young children with autism…Congrats on the fellowship!!! When can we schedule you for a book discussion and signing at WMCL?

    Andriel

  20. Rigo Lara
    1141 days ago

    Hold fast to dreams
    for if dreams die
    life is a broken-winged bird
    that cannot fly.

    -Hughes

    you give flight to our dreams Duchess.

    A thousand bursts of sunlight for your achievements. May success follow you like your shadow.

    congratulations always

    Rigo

  21. Anna Khovracheva
    1141 days ago

    Duchess,
    I am so happy and so proud to know you!!!!
    My congratulations!!!

    Anya

  22. Anonymous
    1141 days ago

    Congratulations and good luck Duchess. I look forward to reading your blog and following your work.

    Patrick G.

  23. Anonymous
    1141 days ago

    Awesome job Prof. D! I’m proud to say that you’re my professor.
    -Aaron

  24. Lynne Perkins
    1141 days ago

    Hey Sis—Wow! And congratulations on the fellowship. Here I was just awaiting the release of your book and you one-up that with the announcement of a “surprise” (to me) award. It’s great to know how my dear nephew has also inspired you and it is heartwarming to see that you have acknowledged to the world just how “perfect” he is. I look forward to helping promote your works here in Lala Land! So, gear up for the big trip northward in the near future. I enjoyed your website, too. It is quite interesting and informative (and effectively interrupted my telecommute assignments today, but in the best possible way). Keep up your excellent work. Blessings…Your sister-in-love/law…Lynne

  25. Anonymous
    1141 days ago

    Hey Duchess, this is a fabulous site! CONGRATULATIONS on the $96K. You are truly a scholar!!

    ~Cynthia Fraction!

  26. Dr. M. Cookie Newsom aka cousin Cookie
    1138 days ago

    Fabulous Duchess and well deserved! Way to go!

  27. Emma Sheppard
    1137 days ago

    Wow Duchess, this is really incredible, I love what you said in your two minutes.
    You have been such an inspiration to me over the last two years, but especially in the last few months, and I thank you so much for guiding me and reminding me that I am on the right path. This was a truly beautiful piece to read
    –Emma

  28. Laura Hamilton
    1137 days ago

    Hooray for Duchess! You are awesome, mama. Looking forward to hearing about your next set of impressive achievements!

    All the best, and so glad we got back in touch!
    Laura

  29. Bao Phi
    1134 days ago

    CONGRATS! And i’m glad to know you have a blog. I’ll be checking in, as you’re always up to great things. Looking forward,

    Bao Phi

  30. charmaine harris
    1131 days ago

    Duchess,
    I am so happy for you! You were able to take last year’s disappointment, learn from it and become even more fabulous. I look forward to reading more great things from you.

    Charmaine

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