THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
On a recent visit to Salamanca I discovered ‘Remember You Are A Wiley’ by Maya Wiley [pictured] among the few books in the shop in English. I suppose I should not be surprised as Salamanca is a university city. The title intrigued me, and the cover promised a story of personal and collective significance. Flipping through the pages, I felt its urgency and relevance, especially given the current social and political upheavals in the US.
The book was more than just a memoir; it is a call to remember one’s roots and resilience in adversity. I left with a copy, eager to see how Wiley’s narrative might resonate with the world around me.
Maya Wiley’s was born to civil rights activists. Her father, George Wiley, significantly influenced her writing. Growing up, she witnessed the challenges and victories of advocating for justice. Her career in law, academia, and public service reflects her commitment.
As a civil rights lawyer and former counsel to the Mayor of New York City, she fought significant battles. These experiences enrich her book, making her perspective vital in today’s United States. She writes: “The legacy of activism is not just in grand gestures but in everyday acts of courage and conviction.”
One striking event is her father’s relentless civil rights fight, passing down a legacy of resilience crucial in today’s social climate of racial injustice and inequality. As Wiley reflects: “My father’s unwavering commitment to justice was like an unbreakable thread, binding our family together through any storm.”
Identity is also central to Wiley’s journey of self-discovery, deeply intertwined with her heritage and the broader African American experience. Her narrative underscores the importance of knowing one’s roots, prompting reflection on how our past shapes our present and future.
Reading ‘Remember You Are A Wiley”’was an emotional journey. Maya Wiley’s depiction of her father’s dedication to the civil rights movement profoundly touched me, evoking memories of my own father’s steadfast beliefs. Wiley writes: “My father’s unwavering commitment to justice was the heartbeat of our home; it shaped my very being and purpose.”
Wiley’s recounting of her identity struggles mirrored my own experiences in Dublin, leading to confusion about my beliefs. Her expressions of confusion, acceptance, and eventual pride were heart-wrenching and uplifting. She says: “Navigating the spaces between identities is like walking a tightrope.
“True resilience is the courage to rebuild and transform.”
The book’s themes echo today’s U. socio-political climate. Struggles for racial justice, the rise of Black Lives Matter, and political divisions reflect Wiley’s battles. Her father’s civil rights activism parallels recent global protests for systemic change.
Wiley’s recounts of her father’s 1960s marches reflect ongoing protests demanding justice. Wiley writes: “His determination to walk those dangerous marches never wavered, even in the face of violent opposition.”
Maya Wiley’s narrative, rich in personal and collective history, reflects resilience and identity. Her story calls for present action and is not just about past struggles. In a world filled with social and political upheavals, Wiley’s insights provide a guide for navigating these waters. Her emphasis on remembering one’s roots and drawing strength from them is crucial today. As Wiley states: “In drawing strength from our history, we shape our future.”
