Black Family History

A Brief Synopsis:  My Views as a Black Woman in 2018

My Daughter and I at her high school graduation activities May 2017.

I do not need television and stereotypes to define what an African-American Family is.  I live it everyday.  My life is far from being filled with gunfire, violence, poverty, and a sense of entitlement.  Instead, I am a wife, a mother, a professional, and most of all a Black American Woman.  Each day I wake up and see my husband off to work with an encouraging kiss. "Bye Honey, I love you. Be great today!" I then say a prayer as I think about my children, my family, and all of the people I love.  Next, I begin making my to-do list, starting with the most important and working my way down as I load the washing machine.  Then I head out for my morning walk. Working from home is one of life's most amazing treasures. 

My Role Models

I am the youngest of nine children.  My parents were amazing, because I grew up in a low-income rural community in Florida and I never felt poor. My parents always worked hard and taught me to do the same. My father passed away when I was fourteen years old.  My mom worked most of her life, often two or three jobs at a time.  She passed away in 2005.

Who I Am

I recall my dad carrying the Bible and tucking it into a sofa pocket as he settled down to watch the evening news.  I remember my mom praying over me as I lay down to sleep and singing us Gospel songs as we all cleaned the house or  shelled peas from our family garden.  Those memories have stayed with me in my role as a mother.  I sang my kids to sleep with old hymns. "Precious Lord take my hand, lead me on and let me stand..."  My mom showed me that a song is a prayer that flows out of the soul. ​ Uplifting!

I Am Not A Statistic

Recently, in  the news, it was boasted that Black Unemployment was at an all-time low.  I'm not sure why we deserve such additional recognition.  Most blacks I know [including myself] have been employed since they were teenagers.  Logically speaking, if the overall unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been then shouldn't other ethnic categories be representative of that too?   One cannot undermine the fact that we work hard - I have always worked hard.

My Family Focus,  My Mission, My Values

Throughout my life, I have valued three important things:

• Self-determination - I am determined to be the best I can be.  Success is not an item; it is a mission. Being an example for my kids is my strongest driving point. I want my kids to achieve more than what I have done.  I want them to be driven by what I have shown them.  I strive to be better everyday so they will follow in my footsteps but down their own paths.
• Respect - Respect starts at home.  People learn to be respectful through example.  Often people relate giving someone your respect with submission or weakness.  Not everyone deserves respect, but giving your respect is not condoning what they are doing or have done.  Showing respect is really about you.  Being able to see clearly and understanding completely before taking action lead to making good/strong/effective decisions. 
• Education - Educate yourself and encourage your children to pursue their education.  Years ago, there were jobs that high school graduates could get and make six-figures.  In today's society, the reality is that you must have additional training or a four-year degree to get a good job.   The more education you have the more favorable the opportunities that will be available to you.

Celebrating Black History Month 2018

"Be encouraged by what you have accomplished so far on your journey through life. ​
Be unwavering on who you are and what you stand for." -- Carla

Scholarship Links

Minority Scholarships
​Florida Black History Month Scholarship
​