Letters to the Black Community: Our Right to Vote

Dear Black Folks, My people! I love you with all of my heart. We’ve been through the most. Slavery. Reconstruction. Jim Crow. Post-racial America. We’ve bonded together to rise above it all. Some of us even had the chance to see a black President. We’ve experienced the joy of obtaining highest office in the land…

Letters to My Daughters: 2016 Presidential Election

As I watched the election results unfold, I realized how different this election feels than any other election I’ve had the privilege of voting in.  To me, it felt like so much was riding on this.  All I could think about was that I have two little people that depend on me and someday they’re…

Letters to My Younger Self: Junior High

Dear TJ, You’ve made it through elementary school! I’m incredibly proud of who you are becoming. You’re shaping up to be a fine young man. Long gone are the days of horrible teachers and adults who constantly chastised you. People are finally starting to see all of the great qualities you possess, and that’s because…

Letters to My Younger Self: Kid J

Dear Kid J, Hey!! How’ve you been since I last wrote you? It looks like you’ve grown up! How old are you now? Eight, right? That means you should be in second grade. Do you like school? If not, then trust that it will get better. It can be tough when you change schools. You…

Letters to My Younger Self: Baby J

Baby J, Welcome to the world! There’s so much to see, so much to do, and even more to learn. The world is new, fresh, and exciting. It’s full of hopes and dreams. It’s primed and ready for you to make your mark. For now, enjoy life as much as you can. Appreciate the warmth…