Dear Diary: My Life Raising Brown Girls

Press Release Brooklyn United (BU) is one of Brooklyn’s most effective Music and Arts Programs . It is a program that offers a creative and safe space for minority inner-city youth. Throughout the years, the program has operated out of churches and other dance studios. During their time at these establishments, BU has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who have had a face-to- face encounter or have seen them perform. Residing in New York city, the youth face several challenges and dangers. We all know that an idle mind and too much (unsupervised) free time can change the trajectory of their lives. Brooklyn United has provided an alternative to spending so much time unsupervised. While operating out of the establishments previously mentioned,  Brooklyn United  has been able to offer an afterschool program, Saturday program, programming during school b reaks, Summer camp and more for inner-city youth. During the school year, Brooklyn United offers homework assistance to yo

We now live in shared community. The same community you did not want to occupy or be caught dead in many years ago. The same community that was once affordable and now the average brown family can no longer afford to remain in or rent. Yet you are here, and we embrace you with no issues.  Unfortunately, some of you move in and cause nothing but problems. Instead of us living together peacefully, some of you have inappropriate conversations with underage children instead of speaking to the parent. This is the quickest way to get your feelings hurt (that's putting it nicely). Some of you look for reasons to call law enforcement knowing the outcome of your actions could cause a black or brown man, woman or child to lose their life.  If there is no imminent threat to you or someone else why are you calling the police. Yet, I get it now. This is your way to express you have "control" of the situation you created in your mind. If you did not know, let me say it loud for those o

Screaming Congratulations!!! Today is Tereya's big day. She is graduating from Brooklyn College. Tereya has accomplished so much. I am so proud of her and the young lady she has become. She did not have the opportunity to take her graduation pictures, nor did she have a traditional graduation ceremony today.  We were not able to schedule hair, nail and make up appointments. My plan is to have her do these things as well have her photos taken to commerate this accomplishment. The pandemic came in wreaking havoc on our lives. She had to complete her final semester of college remotely. It was a challenge, but she did not let that or Corona deter her. She held onto the goal and trusted the process. It was not easy, but it was worth it. Guess what Tinkerbell, YOU did it.  You have set the path for your only sister. You may get on each others nerves, but she looks up to you. Tereya you have fought through some bad days to earn the best days of your lif

We the people have been in a choke-hold since the beginning of time.We the people of the black and brown community live in a country where we sing land of the free and the home of the brave. The question remains are we really free? Or are we free-ish? We the people were not able to breathe long before Eric Gardner uttered those very words. We the people has had a knee on our neck for quite sometime and we beyond tired. We are beyond angry, tired and frustrated and emotionally drained. We have been fighting for equality for centuries. Sadly, the color line continues to divide our nation and our communities.  I have heard people say we should be tired of our own killing our own. I am here to say, we are tired. We are tired of the murders and violence done by our very own and others. However, today, I am not addressing the killings done by our own. Today, I am speaking about the racial injustices within the black and brown community.  The recent protests are happening because of the murde

I just want to tell you that God is Good. He will use others to be a blessing in your life. I already told God Thank you, but I wanted to Thank God in Public. As I prepare myself for online service at Emmanuel Baptist Church, I began to reflect on some of the things that some people say out of that thing they call a mouth.  Then I realize people say things because they do not know any better. They do not know God and what he is capable of doing. But if it was not for his Grace (God blessing us when we do not deserve it) and Mercy (God not punishing us when our sins deserve it) where would you be today? Where would I be today?  Someone did not wake up this morning, but you were blessed to see another day. You did not wake your self up #GodDidThat. You are blessed to have your five senses for another day, #GodDidThat. Someone lost their job last week and may not be able to provide for their family, but that pink slip bypassed your desk #GodDidThat. My faith has been shook several times,

Today is one of those days where I do not want to be the responsible parent. Today is one of those days where I wish I was the parent that only thought of themselves. Unfortunately, that's not who I am. Today is one of those days that I wish I was the parent that only visited on the weekend and does not have the responsibility of being hands on 24/7/365/366 if it's a leap year. Today I am beyond annoyed. Today I am frustrated. Today I am tired. I am tired of bringing things to school or practice when it is not packed in the bags the night before. I am tired of replacing things I just bought because she lost them. I am tired of getting up early to ensure she leaves for school on time. I am tired of getting home late because she has practice every freaking day. I am so tired that I cannot even fall asleep because my mind is constantly updating my planner and thinking of what I need to do next.  I am tired of being there for everyone. I have no one there for me when I need them.

Being a parent is often wonderful. It's rewarding when you see you child(ren) develop, be successful in their studies, career and in life overall. However, please do not be deceived. Parenting is also overwhelming, draining, exhausting and challenging. Anyone who says different is not being honest with you or themselves. It is my responsibility to teach them to love and respect themselves as well as others. It is my responsibility to support them in all areas of life. As their mom, I ensure and endure a lot.  I ensure all their needs and wants are met. I endure their problems, heartache and disappointment when things do not go according to their plan. I experience their ups, downs, success, failures, happiness and sadness. Along with them, I feel and experience all they go through. I strive to meet the demands of parenting. My teenager (the youngest) loves to come up with these mind-boggling requests. She is not concerned that every minute of my day is accounted for with wo

Our daughter's will encounter obstacles along their journey. Our daughter's  will be told "No" several times along their journey. Our daughter's  will experience failure and disappointment along their journey. They will gain some friends and they will lose some along the way. Nonetheless, they will learn and understand that it is not meant for  everyone to travel along with them as go through the journey of life. As parent's, we must be there to pick them up when things   look   bleak. We must be there when  they feel like they can no longer continue their journey. We must motivate, encourage, support, pray for and pour into them. Most of all teach them to never give up and never give in. Tell them it may not look like things are working out for them now, but they should continue working towards their goals. Tell them they should pace themselves. Do not expect immediate results or success. Let them know that ever