In honor of Black History Month, who is a person in current society you look to the most today that has broken a barrier? Why does their story have an impact on you?
Although she recently passed away (5-24-2023), I will forever [be] in awe of Anna Mae Bullock, better known as the legendary rock star, Tina Turner. I am in awe of the fact that she survived what had to feel like lifetimes of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment just to find out – once she decided that she was worthy of more – that she hadn’t even BEGUN to live.
Yes. She broke barriers (and won awards) as the Queen of Rock and Roll, but to me, her greatest accomplishment was the self discovery she experienced in her later years.
Her story impacts me because I, like her, find myself almost half a century old and in a whole new phase of life. I’m quietly getting to know the Breana Jones-Daniels with whom I have the pleasure of spending the rest of my days. I PRAY that I am bold enough, like Turner, to unrelentingly embrace my passions, and, more importantly, willing to do whatever it takes (even if I fail) to fight for my light to shine.
I want to be my own Rock Star!
Who is someone you feel should have a spotlight on them?
My sister, Brett Jones, is a hero. She is, literally, the walking, breathing, definition of the word.
Brett is a sister, a wife, a mother, and a friend. She is fire. People can’t help but be drawn to her.
I believe a spotlight should shine on my sister because she lives a life of honesty, integrity, and grace. She doesn’t suffer fools but is able to listen and learn from everyone. She knows her path and is confident in her walk, but will allow anyone from anywhere to join and expand her outlook.
Brett is an entrepreneur who gives 100% of her effort to her company, her employees, and the customers they service. Her exceptional leadership has enabled many to be in positions of financial growth they wouldn’t have known otherwise.
Brett is generous to a fault. She lives a blessed and highly favored life and will go out of her way to make sure you do as well. A beautiful example of this is the academic scholarship she – in honor of our education focused parents – funded for members of the Black Student Union the last two year[s].
Brett loves. Her daughter, Paisley, is the greatest example of that love. Paisley is not Brett’s biological daughter, but that makes no difference. Brett’s love is so welcoming that Paisley is blessed to have an abundant relationship with her biological mom (and family) as well as her nuclear family at home.
I am blessed to have a younger sister that I want to grow up and become one day.
What role does Black History Month have in your life?
I am Black History. Every single day of my life I LIVE Black History. I share Black History every time I teach. I showcase Black History with every step I take. My smile, my words, the way in which I carry myself, the love I show, the correction I give, the grace I bestow, the lessons I learn…ALL OF THIS is Black history.
Given that, I believe that to know, to respect, to recognize the value of ANY person is to celebrate their history. Black History month is, to ME, the month of February – a time in which folks feel comfortable talking about how phenomenal people who look, sound, smell, and feel like me have been, currently are, and forevermore will be. I appreciate the 28-29 days we are given to be seen and appreciated.
But, again, MY TRUTH is that Black History – just like ALL HISTORY – is celebrated every single day by the folks who are doing the good work of keeping it alive.