Born and raised in the inner-city of Chicago the youngest of eight children. By the age of 5 my parents separated and my mother was left to raise eight children alone. It is her unyielding love, dedication, passion and ingenuity that fuels me still.
Deeply Rooted.
For me it all began with my foundation. I did not have the privilege of getting to know my father, Alvin F. Ponder. But I knew he was a strong and brilliant man. He left an indelible mark in the lives of my older siblings - both good and not so good. However for me my mother, Carrie Beatrice Ponder, was the nucleus, the source, the strength of the family. Its all I really knew.
Highly Determined.
Being able to witness my mother’s ingenuity and sheer determination propels me forward in the face of all adversity. Although access and resources are limited there’s always a way to achieve the goal. Because of what my mother accomplished I know intimately that absolutely nothing is impossible if we choose to persist.
Uniquely Purposed.
My mother believed in working hard and that education was essential to be a thriving person in this society. It wasn’t necessarily about an institutional education. She understood that the experiences within the pursuit of knowledge would ultimately contribute greatly to our success as human beings.
filled with gratitude .
I remain grateful for the foundation that was laid, even before I entered into the world. The numerous sacrifices of others has not been lost to me. I honor those who came before me, my parents for enduring, my mother for persisting, my siblings for paving the way as well as the community of people who embraced us and champion us on still. Most of all I’m grateful for my unwavering faith and knowing that everything is bigger than us.
