Confession time--I am something of an
Oprah Winfrey fan, more to the point, I'm an admirer of
Oprah the humanitarian. (Oprah the fawning celebrity interviewer is
very hard for me to take for more than a few minutes--max.) But, I think Oprah's impact and the manner in which she positively uses her influence is hard to deny. Recently, she has been promoting the opening of the
Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa through a variety of media outlets and Oprah has long been involved with reinforcing the positive things that can be accomplished in the African continent, even before her current highly publicized effort.
While wandering through the New Releases section of my local DVD rental joint, in search of a film for viewing in my Language Arts classes, I came across a unique looking offering. As both a runner and movie buff, I'm always on the lookout for movies that appeal to both interests, and which are appropriate for my students--the very difficult to find G-Rated film. Produced and directed by
Lisa Lax and
Nancy Stern Emmanuel's Gift (2005) is a documentary that readily meets all these prerequisites.
"The ultimate measure of a man or woman is not where he or she stands at moments of comfort and convenience. It's where they stand at times of challenges and controversy. Emmanuel has tenacity and endurance and a strong heart. He has brought hope."--His Majesty, Osagyefuo Amoatio Panin, King of Ghana
Narrated by the aforementioned
Ms. Winfrey, this film shares the struggle and eventual glory of
Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a native of Ghana who overcomes his disability to change, not only his own life, but the lives of
millions.
Emmanuel's tale is told in three parts, beginning with his childhood in Ghana and decision not to succumb to the destiny of other disabled Ghanians--begging on the streets. Next we follow Emmanuel to America during which time he makes the decision to have his lame leg amputated in order to pursue the use of a prosthetic leg. The third movement of the film deals with his return home to Ghana, where takes upon himself the role of as an agent for social and political change. Emmanuel works on behalf of his disabled country-folk in hopes of improving opportunities for the disabled, as well as, opening sport to those who are disabled.
Many anecdotes are shared about Emmanuel's life including one story from his childhood when, as the only disabled child in his elementary school, he saved money to buy a soccer ball (a rare prize for any Ghanian). Emmanuel would then loan the ball to his peers
only if they would include him in the game.
I could share Emmanuel's entire story with you, but in the interestate of your support of the film, I highly recommend you rent or purchase it.
I would like to mention briefly the foundations which have played an important role in Emmanuel's mission:
CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation). If you are so inclined, you can also offer financial support to helping the physically challenged in Ghana at
CAF's Emmanuel Fund.
Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!
I had not given it much thought until two days ago, but tomorrow (October 12) is the eleventh anniversary of John Denver's passing. I vaguely remember being around seventeen years old and purchasing a vinyl copy of one of Denver's many "Greatest Hits," due primarily to the fact that I enjoyed the song "Calypso," from which the lyrics above are excerpted. 
