I come from a family of women. Single, married, Mothers, Sisters, Cousins and friends. They are beautiful, talented, strong women.
My family tree stems from the beloved:
Laster Giles Rice
My great grandmother. She would be 100 years old this year. She was the prettiest thing you've ever seen. Heart of gold. The type of granny to fuss if you didn't speak as you walked into the house, or wash your hands before you began to fix a plate of soul food. She's where I get my manners from. I know it's not polite to eat or drink without offering what you have to others. Whistling isn't for girls or the indoors. She also taught her girls to work hard, take care of each other and to always attend someone's church service. I miss her infectious smile and stern voice. I even miss the way she would mock you for crying, singing: "Cry baby, cry". Impossible to keep from laughing. I keep her with me and try to find her in the women she left behind.
My Odeais, Arzinnia, and Audrey.
My Grandma and her two sisters. They were my first example of sisterhood. Their entire lives have been spent with each other. Living literally across the street from each other. Neighbors. Life partners. I'm sure it hasn't always been roses and pound cake but they have each other. From taking care of the children, to keeping up grannies house and making sure the rest of us stick together. They are the glue. From sunday family dinners to phone calls and facebook messages. They taught me how to cook, sew, pray and love unconditionally.
The twins and Shay Marie.
Latonya, Latoya and Sharon my cousins who seem more like aunts. They bring laughter and fun along with six children who I adore. They open their homes to us, carpools to graduations, Sunday shopping trips and cruises (I'm finally old enough to join those adventures). Tonya has always shown me that I can still be as happy-go-lucky and fun as i'd like and still work hard to provide for my family. Toya taught me to go after what I want. To never be afraid to get my way and to live comfortably. Sharon proved to me that I can be content and live well on my own. I don't need to depend on others. I can learn to love myself and take that time to recharge.
Akya Shanelle, girl of my dreams.
The big sister i've always wanted. We don't do sappy so i'll state facts about this one: Intelligent, beautiful, hilarious, and driven. She's been one of my biggest role models. Indirectly introduced me to poetry, greek life, the idea of grad school and a life outside of Alabama. Most people hate to live in the shadow of others but if I could, i'd gladly walk in her footprints, letting them guide me to the life she believes i'm well on my way to. It's nice to have someone to brag about, and share insiders with. 10/10 would recommend getting yourself an Akya. She loves the movie Nacho Libre :)
Jakenda Shanta, my second mama.
Since we were younger, I've always been the little shadow following her two big cousins around. From inviting myself to friend dates to including myself in day weekend getaways. I became her child. She got me through my first year of college, my first birthday away from home and my first church that wasn't Tabernacle. Forever checking in and on me while she's away at her big girl job. My Tay is the reason I don't mind staying at uah a bit longer, or not always getting things right the first time around. She taught me that it's okay to cry, shout, fail and start fresh.
Latora GerMaine Wise, the one and only.
My mumsy. My strong, independent, hard working, lady. She comes from this village of women who helped her in raising me. She's done everything in her power to give me all that she had, wanted and more. She's always taught me to be better than she was. To never take my opportunities and the support that they give me for granted. She reminds me that I am different. I don't live in these boxes that others cant seem to escape. I'm not judgemental, I have no idea how to discriminate and i'll always have a free spirit. My mom is like any other great mom. She's always believed in me, had my back and taught me everything I needed to go out and do life. What I love most is that she's always allowed me to be my own person. She taught me how to stand up for myself. How to take care of myself. How to put others before myself. She taught me how to receive love and how important it is to show it.
I love these amazing women who have poured into me to help make me into the woman I am today. They've all taught me how to use my black girl magic.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. And I'm so thankful for my village of women.
