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I’d like to talk about how empowerment begins with finding one’s voice. For me, and many others, music and writing have always been a source of empowerment. From the resilience of enslaved people striving for literacy to modern Black girls searching for role models, music and the written word have always strengthened my spirit. Empowerment comes from the books we read, the art we create, and the stories we share.
My writing journey was inspired by “The Book of Gutsy Women” by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. This book, which honors unsung female heroes, moved me to share my experiences, despite past traumas that silenced my voice and hid my talents. I draw strength from authors like Barbara Cartland and the success of Anne Rice. I want to find my own voice and learn from feedback, the way Rachel Carson did with “Silent Spring.”
I’m drawn to various forms of expression thanks to my wide-ranging interests, including animals, history, parenting, autism advocacy, education, and homelessness activism. Though my roots are in Florida, I now call Seattle, Washington, my home.