Now we’ve come to a point in time, when we’re old enough to distinguish the line
Between what’s wrong & what’s right, what’s dark & what’s light, what’s black & what’s white
What’s red & what’s blue, ladies & gentlemen now we have to find the definition of true
Tolerance, Respect, Unity, & Equality
These are some of the things One Day At A Time had to offer me
Tight-knit weekly gatherings allowed us to slowly build up a family
Whether we be marching or water rafting & camping
Cracking jokes & laughing, being serious, shedding tears & talking about things that are happening
Hate, envy, greed, jealousy, & harassment
were over come by, love, honesty, communication, determination, & passion
& it can be done by anyone whether you be, European, African, Asian, or Latin
Latino, hora vente con migo y seremos los mejores de amigos
Yo sere tu coviga en el frio y Dios como mi testigo te digo
Nina, nino, joven, seras rico o seras pobre
Cambiar no es impossible solo preguntale a Johnny
Preguntale a D, preguntale a mis padres, y preguntame a mi
Pero al fin todos estamos aqui apunto de aplurdir
Para sus hijos, para mis amigos porque juntos vencimos
Y nos convertimos en lo contrario de enemigos
The contrary of enemies is what we eventually became to be
But if you look at us now you would stop to think
That there was a time when we didn’t even speak
World peace is so far in the future it probably can’t be seen
But take it One Day At A Time & I guarantee it can be achieved
& we can start locally,
Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, & Oakley
“Jose you can change the world” is what a wise man told me
Now can you imagine if every adult was focused on aiding a teen with the path they’ve chosen
You see us teenagers we’re not worthless but people feel trying to help us out is pointless
Cause they’re scared something will happen as soon as they approach us
So instead the avoid us like they got this teenager paranoia
“Teenagers good ? Oh no, teenagers are only bad for ya”
We’re not a lost cause but people have lost hope
& some folks simply see our clothes
“He a thug & must sell dope”
“Are those booty shorts ? oh yup she must be a hoe”
Well that’s most but not all, some see
Past the mini skirts & baggy jeans
They see the lines but read in between
They know there’s a need to help our teens & one of them is Johnny
So from the bottom of my heart, real talk, being completely honest
Thank you,
Thank you for never giving up & never giving in
Many times you could of done it but you never did quit
Cause you know there’s always possibilities
But it resides deep with in you & me
To make a difference in our community positively
& I hope we can serve as living proof that the youth
Pointed in the right direction, sure we might be victim to misinterpretation
But we can over come & you will need a lot of patience
Cause knuckle heads don’t automatically stop drug selling & gangbanging
But with your help, our 100%, & the ODAT organization
There’s nothing we can’t do if we’re willing to make it
& for everyone graduating congratulations
Keep on progressing & don’t stop unless your gonna tie your shoes to keep on stepping

-Jose Cordon