As a woman of color, I would be remiss if I did not speak of this month and what it means to me as a wife, a mom, a School Social Worker and now a business owner. This month reminds me of the sacrifices that were made for all of us regardless of our race, ethnicity or culture but particularly for those of us who at one point in time, and still today unfortunately, were viewed as less; simply because of the color of our skin. It seems so unreal to me at this day and time but yet so complex and profound. I, among others, could tell you many stories where there were judgements, discrimination and downright evilness but for now I am going to talk about the hope that exists.

Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of this hope so often even when there seemingly was none. I have had so many positive experiences that have outweighed the bad but I am not naive to know that others have not had that luxury. Among a number of significant current relationships in my life, there are three that serve in a parental role outside of my wise grandmother and my mother, that if my ancestors had not fought, we would have never been able to have a relationship let alone be seen together. The first is my mentor in high school who took me under her wing. She once told me I could accomplish all of my goals in life and encouraged me to leave the segregated town where I grew up and explore what was out there waiting for me. Then there is my 86 year old long time dear friend and confident, who taught me about loving unconditionally, and last but not least, my mother-in-law, whom I have a very special relationship with and always told me never to allow anyone to change who I am. What is common about these three women? … all three are Caucasian. Needless to say if there were no speeches, marches, and too many sacrifices to count, I would not be who I am today because these three women were more than an extension of my grandmother and mother, but they played a role in carving me into who I am. Now; my duty and call is instill this hope into my children and also to everyone I meet by showing kindness, love and grace to all regardless of their race, ethnicity, or culture.