Drop Everything And Read: Finding Freedom

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are an interesting couple.

One, they look adorable together. Two, they make a great power couple. And three, they’ve managed to change the image of the royal family with the fact that they’re an interracial couple. They are a true representation of what the world now looks like as opposed to how the royal family has always looked from its beginning. When these two were dating, there was a lot of press coverage brewing, but when they announced their engagement and wedding? Things skyrocketed to an entirely different level.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the wedding or the photos from it, you missed something special. It was clear that these two were (and still are) very much in love. However, one couple’s happiness can sometimes be an issue for those who are unhappy with themselves and maybe their own lives. Which Finding Freedom dives into. It specifically highlights not only Meghan and Harry’s love story but also describes all of the public scrutiny and criticism they faced, especially Meghan, stemming from media storms from the press, the challenges inside and outside of the very private walls of the royal palace, and the decision that led to Meghan and Harry walking away from that life. I enjoyed reading this book because I felt that it accurately addressed a lot of the false rumors and stories surrounding these two and was also a chance to clear the air.

It was also a reminder that even behind photographs of candid moments and smiles is always a backstory we may never fully know or see. Earlier this year I was able to watch the sit-down interview Oprah did with Meghan and Harry and it was heartbreaking learning how opposed to the union different people were and how heartless and hateful others hiding behind cameras, computers, and smartphones could be too. I love that Prince Harry has continued to stay by his wife’s side and be a pillar of love and support in a world that isn’t always welcoming or kind to someone and something they don’t like just because it doesn’t fit what they’re used to. If you’re into the royal family, Finding Freedom is a nice read worth checking 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...

Thoughts From a Black Educator: Qualified, Credentialed, and Constantly Undermined

I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...

The Day I Made A Will

When I was a teenager, I remember writing a list of my greatest fears. One of the things I listed was death. Looking back, it was an interesting item to list because inevitably, death is something each of us will face at some point in our lives. Even though it’s no longer a fear of mine, I understand why and how it’s not a comfortable thing for everyone to navigate. But regardless, this past summer I completed a detailed will. I signed it, had witnesses sign it, and got it notarized. As I was getting everything done, one of the witnesses looked at me and said, “You know, it’s just that you’re so young…” I’ve learned that death doesn’t care how young or how old you are. You can be five, fifteen, thirty, or fifty, and it’s still something that happens. Completing my will wasn’t scary. It gave me peace of mind having documentation in place stating my detailed directives and requests. A year ago, I had one of my kidneys removed. It was a surgery that came with risks that were presented cle...

Making Waves