Confessions of a Single Parent (Actress)

In 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted for the murder of Trayvon Martin a hashtag erupted into a movement. Alica Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tomati created #BlackLivesMatter. A way for local organizers to pull together and continue the fight for Black lives. Because let's face it, we our under attack. And this attack has not ceased since we were kidnapped and brought by force to this country. In fact, the attack on brown and black bodies has been a global issue since ever. It is for this reason that we must continue to unearth the truth and share it without making it clean or easier to digest. Philadelphia and many cities around the country are planning the National Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Schools . And I sit here and wonder if it is enough. Have we fully actualized the 13 guiding principles of this movement? Principles like Diversity, Loving Engagement, Collective Value, Queer and Trans Affirming, Black Families, Black Women and more? Have we? The answer...

Each year I look back and reflect on what the year has brought me in terms of lessons. What new relationships have been developed and which ones have perished or simply withered away. My growth as an individual, a mother, an artist, and more. How many of my plans actually came to fruition and which ones have flourished beyond my wildest dreams. As you move forward in purposeful creativity, it is vital that you recognize that your gifts are to be developed and nurtured. If you want more joy in your life, then you must work towards that. If you want more sanity in your life, you must be committed to that. If you want to feel more love and physically feel healthier, that is only possible through consistent and persistent work. We live in a society that practices and celebrates mediocrity. And often when we want more we are pushed back or ridiculed. I say, continue to push forward and thrive for the beauty in excellence. Take care that your work means something. And that will always br...