A lot of people ask me, “What made you a Conservative?” “Was it hard growing up black in East Texas?” “Was there prejudice?” “What makes you write what you write?”
I grew up surrounded by examples of “Black is beautiful.” My grandmother founded the Miss Black Texas Scholarship Pageant in 1977, which made her iconic in our small community. My mother, who was divorced and single, raised me with so much dignity and courage it would have been nearly impossible for me to fail. Thanks to her will and fortitude, and that of my grandmother and other role models of my day, I aspired to positive images of black women.
I know I’ve led a blessed and open life in which I never felt victimized, oppressed, or shortchanged. I also know, from talking to more and more of my black contemporaries, that not everyone has been so fortunate. It is this knowledge that makes me want to learn why others had so much pain in their skin and what remedies I might offer from my own journey.
As a Christian I believe that feelings of worthlessness, defeatism, and victimization do not come from God. His intention for us, his children, is that our lives be full of unique purpose and divine intention. I want to put the power of this good news into the hearts and minds of others and take the influences of racism and historical oppression out. I see this as my personal calling in the world and the basis for why I became a writer.
After college, while working in Silicon Valley, I experienced a nagging impulse to express my viewpoints on the many controversial topics affecting the African-American community and society at large. I began by writing a book that eventually failed--and thank goodness! It failed because I had not yet found my authentic voice or a compassionate enough tone on these sensitive issues.
Grateful for the book’s demise, and because I’d yet to publish anything, I took my husband’s wise suggestion that I redirect my efforts to publishing commentaries first. "If you get published,” he sagely noted, “you’ll know you have a message that needs to be heard."
Ten years later, here I am, an active Conservative voice in print and on the radio. And, of late, appearing on Fox News Channel on “The Glenn Beck Show.” The overwhelming responses I’ve received from listeners and readers over the years has made me aware of my responsibility, not just to preach or complain, but to edify.
My belief--that no matter what hardships we are given, we can all work toward and achieve meaning and beauty in our lives--gets my heart racing with enthusiasm. I want more than the chance to debate controversial topics; I want to be a shining example and part of the solution to the challenge we all face: living the greatest and most rewarding life possible.
I believe God has imbued each of us with a special and unique gift: to influence the world towards the greater good. I am certain that using this gift unlocks our path to enlightenment, love, and a life abundant with the reciprocal flow of goodwill. I still yearn, and intend, to write the book that's been whispering in my ear for the last 15 years. So far I've attempted it twice, once with limited success and once with the reflection that I still need more time. I will not put it out there until it is a work that provides tools of redirection and change in addition to inspiration. I also hope to further my involvement in the community by helping children realize their potential. In the meantime, I am living one day at a time with a grateful heart and a compassionate spirit. Namaste!