My Black History

In honor of Black History Month, I decided to invite you into my personal space, and share a piece of me with you. This is my story...

I’m the young girl who grew up watching her mom sit at the dining room table every payday, juggling and struggling to pay the bills. The young girl who went on my first job interview, wearing my Easter dress, at age 11; only to be turned away from the local drugstore because I was a minor. I am the same young girl who entered a contest (late) and became the 1st Jr. Miss UNCF Miami Chapter 1987- winning a partial college scholarship to any UNCF school of choice. Confession… at the time, I didn’t know UNCF stood for United Negro College Fund. Oh, and I landed my first job at the age of 14.

I’m the big sister who had to babysit her younger sister; even when I didn’t want to. The sister who tried to be the best mentor, role model and protector. Yes, I have dropped the ball a few times; maybe more. Prayerfully, the ones I’ve caught are enough to sustain a healthy sisterhood.

I’m the young wife (6 months pregnant) who stood in her mother’s bedroom doorway and watched her take her last breath. Ouch! Twenty-nine years later, the thought of losing my dad two years prior still stings a little. Yet, I am the same young wife who was blessed with spiritual mothers/sisters, a village, and a husband who loved me.

I’m the mother who poured everything she knew and had into her two daughters. The mother determined to give her girls a Christian foundation to stand on, encourage their own relationship with Christ, and somehow give them the necessary tools to successfully navigate through this thing called life. I became a teacher and a disciplinarian overnight. However, I wasn’t there for my oldest daughter’s first injury on the preschool playground or her 7th grade award’s ceremony. Nor was I able to protect my baby girl’s heart from being broken, after a teenage breakup. Nevertheless, they have witnessed my tears, my faith, my mistakes; along with, my love and support.

I’m the friend who loves with her whole heart and cheers for you, every chance I get. The friend who listens, call you back, accepts correction and respect our relationship. The same friend who will tell you the truth, from my point of view. You know, the one who doesn’t lie to spare your feelings. I might forget your birthday; but won’t hesitate to celebrate you the other 364 days of the year.

Having said all of that, I am no different from the young girl, big sister, young wife, mother, or friend reading this. Thanks to my inner-circle, mentors and Heavenly Father I am simply bold enough to share excerpts from my storybook. Everyday I’m learning to fail forward, take chances, sow into others, the importance of transparency, and the value in self-honesty. My cross is uncomfortable, heavy and an inconvenience. He keeps me balanced, humbled and grateful. I’ll never be perfect or get it right all the time; and I’m okay with that.

Hello, my name is K. Lawson, owner of KC Copywrites. I am proud to be black and unapologetically beautiful. Nice to finally meet you!

Please share your story. Not sure where to start? Let us…just “write” for you. Together, we can make history.