Wow! 50 years of age. A half-century of love, life, resilience, and faith, I can hardly believe it. Life be lifing. Looking back on this incredible journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for God's grace and mercy that has carried me to this very moment. Someone had me on their mind and took the time to pray for me. God’s presence in my life has been shady; but steady….He knows my heart, my words, and even my facial expressions. But family and friends guide me through it all.
I was raised by my beloved grandmother, Ms. Honey, in Dunbar Village, West Palm Beach, FL. In her, I found the very definition of unconditional love. With my mother serving in the military and my father pursuing his dreams at Morehouse College, it was Honey—along with Madear, Aunt May, GodMomma Betty,—who surrounded me with a nurturing love that I carry with me every day.
Forest Hill High school was filled with triumphs and dreams, and I wore them proudly: Prom Queen, Homecoming Court, Class President, Most Athletic in basketball and track. But even with all those accomplishments, my heart yearned for more (ask Mr. Ruskin, Basketball Coach). So, together with my dearest friends and classmates, Lajuan and LaTerrance, I set my sights on a new chapter—heading north to Northfield Mount Hermon Prep School, Massachusetts. But just two months after leaving home, the unthinkable happened—Honey passed away. The pain was overwhelming. I couldn’t breathe. In those moments, it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Yet, even in my darkest hour, Honey’s lessons of love, strength and compassion held me up. With God's grace and the unwavering support of Mr. Jeff Ruskin, Mr. Stu Greydanus and Ms. Pamela Shoemaker, I found the strength to keep going, to persevere, to graduate—and to take the next leap toward Boston College.
Boston College became the place where I discovered not only a community but a family. It was there that I truly learned the power of God's presence. I was blessed with mentors like Ms. Joana Maynard, Mrs. Dacia Gentilella, and Mr. Dan Bunch. Dr. Donald Brown and his wife, Cheryl, accepted me and loved me as their own. The memories I carry from that time—Black Family Weekend, FIST (Family In Struggle Together) Walkout, Inspiration from Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture), the Million Woman March, the drive to FREAKNIC, smiles with Dick Gregory, poetry nights with Nikki Giovanni, and dinner with Bobby Seale—are not just memories; they are soul-deep moments that shaped me.
Now becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Chapter, SPR96, was the beginning of a lifelong journey that has filled my heart with stories, laughter, and many Sorors, especially in an era before social media took over our lives. • Line Name: Go-Go • Line’s Name: Omata Okele 3 • Single Letter Chapter: Iota • Dean: Patty Bernateau • Pers: Tina McDuffie • Spec: Sarita Thomas and Monique Carter
Looking back on my career, I am in awe of what I’ve achieved, but even more in awe of how God's hand has been evident every step of the way. 25 years as an Army Guardsmen/Reservist, leading with honor as an Air Defense Artillery and CBRN Officer; and 25 years in law enforcement, starting with the Riviera Beach PD and now the U.S. Marshals Service, all while dedicated to protecting and serving my community. These milestones are not just career achievements—they are the tangible proof of God’s faithfulness in my life.
As I celebrate this milestone of turning 50, my heart overflows with gratitude for the love that has embraced me, for the intense and critical lessons that have molded me, and for the unwavering faith that has carried me through life’s hardest moments. Every step, every challenge, every triumph has been woven with love—love from family, friends, and the divine, guiding me gently through each season. To those who have walked beside me, you are the heartbeats of my story. Here's to standing on business with grace, resilience, and love, as faith and a pair of handcuffs remain my guiding star.