Furthermore...

So before I get into all the juicy stuff...like dresses, venues, invites, etc...I feel compelled to delve into into the "what" and "why" of Miss Glen Echo's Five Basic Things.

For me, the "what" and the "why" are one in the same. Being a law student, it is hard to look beyond the realities of marriage as it exists today: half of married couples divorce, women have babies outside of wedlock, couples live together and have a semi-marital relationship with a partner without ever saying "I do." Not saying that all of these realities are necessarily "bad" or "negative", except maybe divorce in most instances, but the point is that, in our current world, the institution of marriage just does not play the same role in our society as it used to.

But Mr. Glen Echo and I, we are getting married. Not merely because we want to and love one another, which is the most important reason, but also because...and I will speak for myself...we have a responsibility to our community to do so. Marriage stabilizes our society. It creates bonds that cannot easily be destroyed. It creates a foundation on which, not only a family can stand, but also one in which a community can look to, rely on, emulate, and hold on to. I won't stand on my soapbox for too long...but I want to express the idea that marriage is not just a private institution, it is also a public responsibility.

I also find it important to bring back what I feel is a dying tradition in the African American community. I know more black women with children that are not married and not with the father, than I know black women who are married. I don't know...I want my wedding to be an example for some of my younger female cousins who either lack the self esteem or understanding to realize that they can and should expect more from the guys that they deal with and that marriage is something that can be a reality for them. I want them to see that they do not have to settle for someone who comes and goes in their lives and leaves the heavy responsibility of raising a child solely on her shoulders. I want them to see that they can also be a bride, a princess, the center of attention, beautiful, graceful, loved...I want them to know that marriage is what you should expect, and not what you give up...

So, I am done with being on my soap box! I promise the next post will be much more interesting...the "when" and the "where," YAY!