What If It Was Your Child?

I never imagined that the Black Lives Matter movement would have the impact it’s had this year. I’ve always known how important the movement was, but after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd? Even more people got woke. And fast. Many different races stood up this year. There were riots and protests and demands for justice, and the overwhelming amounts of love and support were inspiring and revolutionary. This past summer, different people and communities were coming together and were a united front. Sadly, at the same time, there were others who remained silent as others spoke and stood up.

And that was disappointing.

It was especially upsetting and painful seeing nasty, insensitive, and hurtful comments on the internet and in the press from different people who felt as if the emotions and responses stemming from communities all over the world were unwarranted and not okay. Seeing different people who have kids of their own be so dismissive is something I’ll never understand. I’m not a mother, but I can empathize with family members, friends, and colleagues who are. I’m a Black woman, and I’m also a Black educator. And the majority of the students I teach and work with each week are Black, so I’m well aware of a lot of what’s happening in the world. So to the individuals who feel like there’s an issue with people demanding justice and the peaceful protests that have taken place to promote change, what I’d like to know is how would you respond if your son or daughter was murdered?

What if it was your child?

The families that had their loved ones murdered due to police brutality, racism, and hatred are hurting. They're mourning. And they are in need of justice. I'm certain that if you were in their shoes and it was your child who lost their life, maybe you would feel differently. You would appreciate others supporting your family and being an advocate for justice and change. It's just something to think about. We all have a lot more in common than you may ever realize, so don't pretend you don't know what's happening and choose to remain silent. Speak up, stand up, and show love and support. We can't let hate win.

Dear Young Black Professionals

As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...

The Day I Became A Kidney Donor

About a year ago, I had a dream my dad wanted to talk to our family about something serious. I wasn’t sure what he wanted to discuss, but I knew it was something I needed to prepare myself for. Around the time after I had this dream, I remember stopping by my parents place and sensing something was going on that they weren’t telling me. I tried to dismiss what I’d been feeling, but I couldn’t shake it. Something serious was happening. As I returned to my home after visiting them one day, I was in my kitchen washing dishes when a heaviness hit my heart like nothing I’d ever felt before. Something’s wrong with dad. That’s what that dream was about. God, what’s going on? As I continued washing dishes, I started crying and praying. Then in mid-spring, my dad held an unexpected family meeting that would change all our lives forever. He hesitated at first, and as his voice started cracking and he started crying, he said, “Well, I wanted to talk to ya’ll to tell you that I have kidney disea...

The Day I Became A Homeowner

One Sunday evening as I was lying in bed, my phone rang. I saw my realtor’s number across the screen, then I sat up and immediately answered. “Guess what?” she said. “What?” I replied while smiling. “They accepted your offer.” I tried to stay calm, but it was hard to contain my excitement. A long-time goal that I’d been working on and praying about was finally coming true. I was officially becoming a homeowner! This was a goal I started working on last year but when the pandemic hit, I was nervous about moving forward. So I put things on pause… until some of my confidants asked me why I wasn’t moving forward anymore. I came up with a handful of excuses: the pandemic, the timing, and more praying and fasting (which was honestly me procrastinating from a place of fear – God had already given me His approval). I even started having dreams that I was already in a new home. The more I stalled, the more I felt something on the inside of me saying, it’s time. And as I proceeded, I ...

Making Waves