I am from Atlanta, Georgia. My background and upbringing impact me daily. I have always loved Atlanta. The rich culture, the influence of the Civil Rights movement, and the way women show up in government and in the market place made and still make a significant impression on me. I attended school near Ebenezer Baptist Church and I was able to see Auburn Avenue and the Boulevard through a child’s eye. There were so many thriving black businesses on Auburn and I appreciate the influence those risk-takers took to show me and other young people (at the time) what was possible. There were several churches that lined that corridor as well. Walking up and down that one street was as if each business and church was making a deposit in my spirit as I passed by going from school to downtown.

Today, when I think that I can’t do a thing, I create the flashback, the necessary memories to push myself forward. The spirit of possibility was right before me.