I was raised by my mother and grandmother in Park Manor community in Chicago, IL. iI attended k-12th grade at CPS schools in Chatham, and Roseland. The intersectionality of being female, Black, and of lower socio-economic status guaranteed that I’d face multiple oppressions in most spaces I entered.
Schooled
My academic career started a bit uncertain but after I was introduced to extra-curricular activities things quickly changed. My passion for learning was ignited through engagement in school activities. I maintained excellent grades and participated in extra-curricular activities; my reputation as a stellar student afforded me the opportunity to be exposed to black culture and enrichment. I enjoyed the perks and responsibilities of being a very active member of my school community. My culminating reward was earning the title of 8th grade Valedictorian. Throughout High School, I continued to excel academically and in extra curricular activities and graduated with honors. I landed a spot at my dream school, The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My academic career in college started rocky but I was able to make the necessary adjustments and found a major I loved, Gender and Women's Studies. Upon Graduation I started my career as a mental health professional with children and youth in care with severe behavioral disabilities. Shortly afterward, I obtained my MSW from Jane Addams School of Social Work in 2014 and have worked as a school social worker. In 2020 I completed my M.Ed. in Education Administration from Governor State University.
Lifed
During early childhood I experienced several traumatic experiences; parents divorced, father died, drug addicted family members, a close family member being murdered, community violence, and physical illness. Throughout grade school and my secondary education, I was often called disparaging names by adults and peers in all my social spaces. I lost agency over my body during this time. All of my attempts to report unwanted touch and attention were disregarded and I was villainized for defending myself. I just relented to the objectification and was shamed into adhering to the standards of respectability politics as a protective factor to “make it” as a Black girl.
In college, while assessing ways to engage with campus culture; I looked for mentors to help me in that quest. I felt comfort in the community I had begun to build, until one of the most respected community members violated me. Afraid that I would not be believed and my reputation would be ruined; my assault went unreported. In addition, the experiences of black students on UIUC’s campus during the time I attended mirrored images depicting the civil rights movement. Some experiences include being pepper sprayed by the police while exiting a party. Bringing the K9 unit to our university sanctioned gymnasium functions. While allowing university white fraternities to have openly racist and sexist parties on campus without interruption. I endured countless instances of covert and overt racism during my time learning, living and working in Urbana-Champaign.
Her Sole Purpose
My community and resilience allowed me to persevere through the trauma. I’m passionate about supporting girls and women to expand their minds and hearts for one another.
My purpose is to create spaces for all Black women and girls to have a safe and brave space to learn, love, laugh, and live out loud.