A Grateful Servant - Zakia Rafiqa Shabazz

On behalf of UPAL National, I thank each and every one of you who have attended tonight's celebration. UPAL has made tremendous strides towards the elimination of childhood lead poisoning. None of our successes would have been possible were it not for you. Your support over the years has provided the strength that we needed to continue. Many days were filled with weariness, some were filled with doubt. Through it all you have shown love and demonstrated not only the skills and abilities but willingness and a desire to make our community a safer place for children and families. For that I am grateful.

To the Lead Abatement Contractors, Inspectors, Rehab Specialists who told me in so many words 'Sister, We've got your back', and that the 'Brothers Gonna work it Out'. You are doing just that. For you I am grateful.

To Cynthia Mendy who conducted interviews and wrote articles all the way from Kentucky. Always willing to help and support the cause. We cried when Damu left us knowing we would miss his strength yet so grateful to have known him and to have been in his presence. Thank you for the connection and all that you do. For you I am grateful,

To Shelly, Webmaster Extraordinaire, Thanks for making UPAL a known entity on the World Wide Web. For you, your smile and your services, I am grateful.

To Namles -I am grateful to you for composing UPAL's National Anthem. You made it sound just like I heard it in my head. You are truly gifted and talented; best of all you share those gifts with our youth. Peace and Blessings to you

Della: How would I manage the day to day-operations without you? You kept me from going off many days and I have learned to be calmer and not let anyone take me off my center. Thanks for handling the finances and helping UPAL to grow by leaps and bounds. For you I am grateful.

To everyone who has supported UPAL, in so many ways, over the past ten years, I ask that you stay aboard. Our work is just beginning. In the near future we will be opening the doors of the Shabazz Academy for Lead Poisoned Children. It was Maurci's dream to have a school that catered specifically to children who have been poisoned by lead. Through us Maurci's dream will be realized. We continue to aim for the moon knowing that if we fall we land amongst the stars. Our children are our stars and A CHILD IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE!