Ray Charles: A Blind Man Sees A World of Possibilities

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Ray Charles: A Blind Man Sees A World of Possibilities

In a world of darkness, misunderstanding, and confusion, there was a light of hope. Ray Charles was able to stand up and face this world, and he set out to pursue the impossible. Ray Charles overcame his disabilities by becoming a musician despite his blindness, stopping the use of heroin, and performing even though there were segregated audiences and unfair treatment.

To begin with, Ray Charles overcame his disabilities by becoming a musician despite his blindness. Charles stayed strong, no matter what life threw at him. His disability only made him stronger. After seven years of having a close bond with his mother and family, Charles was forced to set out alone when he moved to a school in St. Augustine for the deaf and blind. Without the support of his family, he was left to his own devices. Considering he was only seven, it was quite a bit to take in. There was much stress and pressure, but he stayed brave and fought through it (Charles 20).

In his autobiography “Brother Ray”, Charles explains how he had a rough time during the train ride to the new school. For the first few weeks, Charles wept due to being homesick, and the other children were spiteful and rude towards him. However, with time, he was able to adjust to his new life. Charles says he told himself “you better just continue to continue.” Although it was difficult for him to cope with, Charles was able to get through his struggle (Charles 21). Everything Charles said proves that although he

was very afraid, he realized he had no choice, so he stayed strong and moved bravely forward. This shows how he fought through anything life threw at him, and he never let his lack of vision slow him down.

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...cism he faced, Charles overcame it all. He was a significant figure in history because he stood as an example that if someone puts their mind to a dream, it can be accomplished. He was a true inspiration, and he left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Charles shows us that hard work and perseverance can take even a blind addict working against society to the very top.

Works Cited

Charles, Ray and David Ritz. Brother Ray. New York: The Dial Press, 1978. Print.

Hackford, Taylor and James L. White. Ray. New York: Universal Studios Licensing

LLLP, 2004. Print.

Pareles, Jon and Bernard Weinraub. “Ray Charles, Bluesy Essence of Soul, Is Dead

at 73.” The New York Times. June 11, 2004: n. pag. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

“Ray Charles”. Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 48. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Biography

in Context. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

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