MY STORY

Beginning:

The Loving v. Virginia decision, one that permitted interracial marriage in the U.S., was the beginning of my parents' love story and consequently the beginning of my own.

Middle:

Despite the number of hardships my parents endured to be together, I was a child born from their never-ending love and steadfast resilience. The world tried their best to keep my parents apart, and as such my parents instilled in me the power of connectedness, of bridging people together instead of dividing them. Their story taught me that difference is inevitable (like their skin color) and good ; it is what you do with difference that matters. My mom, a woman criticized and persecuted for loving who she loved, taught me I can have peace of mind when I am authentic with myself and my purpose. Despite the hatred my parents endured, they always led with grace, respect, forgiveness, and kindness. They assured me that how you treat others is not a reflection of them, rather it is a reflection of you. In honor of them, I choose to model the way.   

​

End:

I carry the stories of those before me and use it as inspiration for the story that I am still writing. To be continued. 

"be easy.
take your time.
you are coming 
home.
to yourself."

-the becoming

Nayyirah Waheed