I think I like being on stage ...

I think I like being on “stage”!

I wasn’t sure how this was going to go until I was asked the 1st question.

I was invited to share my POV on a panel where we discussed growing up in Gaston County, Becoming an Entrepreneur, and honoring Juneteenth… what do those 3 things have in common?!?… A LOT!!

I did not want to sugarcoat any of my experiences growing up in a small, predominantly white town in the South where rebel flags flew proudly and segregation still lingered in the air….At some points my voice shook a little, my breathing became a little erratic and my heart was pounding… however my mind was clear.

I spoke about how I grew up in the “black part of town” however a lot of times I was the ONLY black person in a classroom….I spoke about not knowing or being taught “MY history” as a child and how hungry that made me for my own knowledge…how attending an HBCU allowed me to know more of myself and how knowing and trusting more of myself has led me down this path to entrepreneurship .

The Belmont Juneteenth Celebration recently commemorated their 10 year anniversary with a documentary that I was apart of and for the last 8 years I’ve been the event photographer.

Over the years I’ve captured countless moments and memories at the event… I shared about the cultural and historical significance of honoring Juneteenth visually for generations to come; through the images that I capture For elements of empowerment’s Juneteenth celebration each year in Stowe Park.. A park that my parents couldn’t even play in when they were children due to Jim Crow.

If you have not watched the Documentary please check it out, you might see me. Link in the comments

Thank you Delta, Vince, Effect Positive Change, and Belmont Abbey for giving me a mic and an opportunity to share.

If you watch the end of this video… you can’t hear me.. but if you’re from the area… you can imagine….and I know you can feel me!!

Creator of the Love Your Self(ie)™ Movement….



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