Even though Life made my upbringing sound like Thelma in the “Good Times” clan. While singing and dancing, I’ve always known God had for me a very special plan. Yes, mom and dad were there to make sure I steadied my course with love & grace. At Ethel Miller H. S. I learned valuable lessons, it was a nurturing place. †I learned to stand and not to give into tough times and to watch for negative signs. Then as a black woman, surviving and trying to make my neighborhoods safe and free. As well as providing equal housing and jobs, fighting for a free world, as it should be. As a wife & mom, I want my son to tell his own child about what we did together. I teach how one must listen to our hopes, instead of our fears; holding on forever. † I learned to stand up to the best and to perform no matter what the test. We must always believe in our creator and continue to live a good life as it should be, Although our fore fathers were denied privileges in a country that’s suppose to be free. I am the girl from the south, holding my head up high, yet grounded by my faith. Making my children proud & President Obama too, holding on to God who keeps me safe. You see I learned to stand, so you must stand, for this is our land.