Every struggle is different, even during a collective time of uncertainty, hate, illness, death, where anxiety is at an all-time high. Now more than ever, it needs to be okay to say, “I am NOT okay”. My first introduction to suicide was at the ripe old age of twelve. I was in seventh grade when…
an important role
Yay, we played! My theatre organization hosted what we call A Day of Play where we simply spend time playing, get to know one another, build community. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure how many people would show, if any. I am constantly reminding myself and others we are in the midst of a…
Juneteenth
Long before I knew anything about Juneteenth, I knew Mrs. Peoples and Mrs. Green. Mrs. Green was my seventh-grade teacher at Beaumont middle school. A little woman who took no mess from nobody and would threaten to talk with your parents in a minute (because nine times out of ten she had a relationship with them) and students did not want their parents coming to the school. Back in the day, Mrs. Green was firm but loving. You knew she wasn’t going to let you get away with foolishness but you also knew she loved and wanted the best for you.
Well-Meaning White People
An Open Letter: Yes, the world needs love but we also need truth and this is both. Ever since the public lynching of George Floyd, people in Portland, like so many other cities across the nation, followed Minneapolis’ lead and took to the streets in protest against police brutality on Black people. Black Lives Matter…
Tired
“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” It can either be a call to action or a crippling fear of hopelessness. I woke up the other day feeling the warmth of the sun peeking through my bedroom blinds while a heavy cloud of defeat, and hopelessness sat on my shoulders. The protests, the…
You Don’t Get To Tell Me How To Feel
Yesterday (5/25/2020) a man was lynched. His name, George Floyd. He was murdered by a police officer, Derek Chauvin. I won’t even ask why the police force allows individuals like him to join because historically those same individuals would participate in the KKK at night and patrol the streets during the day. Yesterday (5/26/2020) a…
Breaking Silence
On this day last year my play, Redefining Alberta was performed to a packed house. The community was so receptive and supportive. The constant “mmhmm, I know that’s right and you betta say that” comments from them let me know that there was so much truth in the storytelling (I love my village). There was…
Gratitude Day 21: Life
The past two days I have been busy with work and traveling for work I didn’t even have time to post on my birthday which was the last day of the 21 Day Challenge. I think with every new year or as I’ve recently heard, every year around the sun, our human instinct is to…
Gratitude Day 20: Health
The older I get, the more I appreciate my health. Although not perfect health, I do realize I could be worse off. The sad thing is I have put everything before my health but another day brings another opportunity to commit to a healthy me.
Gratitude Day 19: Peace of Mind
When I think of peace I think of serenity, the sound of waves in the ocean gently rolling back and forth where anxiety is washed away and calmness resides. No matter how loud the noise, the intensity of howling winds blowing down trees beating against brick houses. I see a woman sitting warmly in her…
