A short story
Photo by Olivier de Sadeleer on Unsplash
Opportunities are never in short supply.-Henery X
The Commission (The Conclusion)
2023, Henery X ©
After Bobby directed Hennessy to where all his most noteworthy works of urban art were, they ended up at the younger of the two’s place of residence, which was on the east side of Detroit.
Hennessy was introduced to Bobby’s parents, Mark Sr. and Patty, who he concluded were great people and positive role models for their children. He also met two of his four siblings. His older brother, Mark Jr., and his twin sister, Betty.
After leaving Bobby’s home, they ended up at Hennessy’s. The two-story mansion was in a beautiful neighborhood on the west side of the city. Once inside, Bobby couldn’t believe his eyes. He had only seen such appeal on television, in movies, and in magazines. Hennessy introduced him to his wife, Margaret, who took an instant liking to him and he to her.
They would end up in a spacious ballroom area, which had a high glass ceiling and three white walls that resembled canvases. Bobby stared at the walls as if he had died and gone to graffiti heaven.
“So, what do you think, Bobby?”
“About what?”
“About the space you’ll be working in.”
“What! Really?”
“Yes. Is it too much for you to handle?”
“Absolutely not. So, do you have a particular theme in mind?”
“Actually, I do. Are you familiar with the history of Black Wall Street?”
“No. Please, share, Mister Ball.”
“I’ll give the condensed version of the story. *In Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1906, a wealthy melanated man by the name of O. W. Gurley started what would become known as Black Wall Street. He established businesses in what would be called the Greenwood District. He also loaned money to other melanated people who wanted to start businesses. Other prominent melanated entrepreneurs followed suit and before long, heaven on Earth was established. Everyone was supporting everyone, just as it should be. Then Tulsa Tribune reported a melanated man was arrested for allegedly raping a European woman in an elevator. Fearing the man in question would be lynched, many melanated people gathered before the courthouse to protect him. This act was looked upon as a declaration of war by certain Europeans. Tempers flared, violence ensued, and it spilled over into the Greenwood District. When it was all said and done, thirty-five blocks were systematically looted and burned, destroying one hundred and ninety businesses and leaving ten thousand people homeless, amongst other things.”
“That sounds horrible, Mister Ball.”
“It left me devastated after my grandfather told it to me. So, what I want you to do is fill these walls with my version of the new and improved Black Wall Street. We’ve already started creating it in real time. I’m connected with so many prominent individuals right here in Detroit.”
“I'd be honored to be involved in something of this nature.”
Hennessy told Bobby exactly what he wanted the space to reflect.
*most of this information is straight from the Black Wall Street archives.
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One Year Later
Bobby had worked tirelessly on the project he had been entrusted with. And though he wouldn’t earn a penny, his mere involvement was payment enough. He made the Ball family promise they would not enter the space until the mission was complete, and none of them ever broke that promise.
“Well. Today is the day you all get to see what I came up with and based on Mister Ball’s vision. I pray that you all love it, just as much as I do.”
The Ball family stood before Bobby, who stood before the closed double doors that led to the space in question. They were all eager to see what he had done, just as much as he was ready to show them.
Bobby opened the doors and entered the space, quickly followed by the family of the home. Each family member was left speechless as their eyes slowly scanned every wall, which displayed top notch artwork of businesses and people they knew personally.
“Well. What do you all think?” Bobby said.
Hennessy started the applause, and then his family joined in. The act left Bobby smiling uncontrollably.
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A Week later
The Ball’s decided to have a party at their home and so they could show off their upgraded ballroom to their friends and family. And all the local bigwigs were in attendance. These were individuals who had already created their version of Black Wall Street in their respective neighborhoods. People who were a part of the very magnificent mural they were admiring.
Bobby Walker was the man of the hour, and he was loving every second of the moment. And what made it that much more special was that his family was present. He was dressed to impress. No one could tell him he didn’t belong where he was.
Hennessy had introduced him to many prominent people, all of which had businesses throughout the west side of Detroit. A few of these people he knew of and admired. Meeting them was the highlight of the evening for him.
“Hey, Bobby. I want you to meet Philip King, but we all just call him Philly. Philly, meet the creator of the mural.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bobby,” Philip said. His baritone reminded you of Barry White’s. He was a larger-than-life man who looked as if he was married to wealth.
“The pleasure is all mine, Mister King.”
“Please, call me Philly. All my friends do. And if you’re friends with Hennessy, you’re a friend of mine.”
“This is Edward’s uncle, Bobby.”
“I noticed the resemblance. My condolences on your loss.”
“We didn’t lose my nephew, Bobby. We gained an ancestor.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Your skills are impeccable. Edward would have been impressed. I thought I’d see no one give him a serious run for the money. Well, outside of his sister, that is. Have you met my niece, Edwina?”
“I have. We had an extensive conversation earlier. She said I could showcase my work at the Palace of Perfection anytime.”
“It would fit right in for sure. Well, let me go mingle with the other guest. We’ll chat again. We’ll need to exchange numbers.”
“Alright, Philly.”
“That there is the man, Bobby. He transformed his neighborhood into a modern-day Black Wall Street. If you have him on your side, you need little else. He knows who you need to know and if he doesn’t, you don’t need to know them.”
“I can’t thank you enough for this life-changing opportunity, Hennessy.”
“You’re welcome, Bobby. Quite as it’s kept, your good fortune is equivalent to having won the Mega Millions. Your life, and the lives of your family, will never be the same. Now, let’s go mix and mingle with these phenomenal people.” Hennessy wrapped his arm around Bobby’s neck and they interacted with each person who stood before them.
The End.
One moment can change our lives forever. So, we should be forever mindful of every moment.-Henery X
Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my offering. May all you deserve and desire flow abundantly into your life, as a river does into a sea.
Remember. I’m not here to convince you to believe. I’m here to offer you something else to consider.
Continue to be a lighthouse for all those who feel lost in the sea of life.
May we never lose our desire to outdo what we’ve already done.
Peace, Love, and the utmost Respect.