Introducing myself and my journal: I Am My Person

About Me:
One of four daughters that grew up in an inner city low income family (Chicago, Illinois), my formative years pale in comparison to other women of the world. The one thing about were I was raised, (Chicago, Illinois) is that it is densely populated, economically poor, rich in culture and history with millions of people that look like me. It was segregated (1950-60s), racist, and extremely corrupt.

My mother left my father after twenty years of marriage and moved with four daughters to Portland, Oregon (1967). A state with one of the largest percentages of white people in the nation. Portland was/is an environmental paradise; beautiful beaches, mountains, deserts, crystal clear water and not too heavily populated. However the racism here is invisible, which is damaging in so many ways.

I gave birth to my daughter Rose at the age of 15 and both my daughter and I lived the pangs and embarrassment of having a teenage mom in so many more ways; from parents of neighborhood children, church members, co-workers, friends and friends parents ... the list goes on and on. And although I broke a social code, and was a taboo (having a child at such an early age and unwed) I think back and realized I failed myself. Through the grace of God, a few close family members and my former husband, I completed my bachelors and masters degrees and got back on my feet. And through it all, I always felt the love of those who prayed for my survival. And today, I pray and think continuously about my Nigerian sisters who were improving their lives so that others could prosper. I so very much support the efforts of our country and other nations around the world to #BringHomeOurGirls#!

My Passions:
Reading, gardening, social justice

My Challenges:
time management

My Vision for the Future:
financial stability

My Areas of Expertise:
affordable housing, program manager