It is quite fitting that my very first blog post is about my mom.

My mom is the mom that everyone knows and loves. It’s to the point that when I tell people who my mom is, I say it as if I’m bragging or name dropping. Like, did you hear me? I said my mom is Ms. Alexander, yes as in the Ms. Alexander. Often times I sit and reflect on all of the things my mom selflessly sacrificed to take care of our family. I also think about all the lives she changed and impacted as a School Counselor for the past 15 years.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of seeing my mommy take center stage as she defended her dissertation on Examining the Legacy of Transgenerational Trauma and its Effects on Contemporary African American Adults in Parenting and Caregiver Roles to African American Adolescents.

And sis, she killed it!

Thinking about my mom’s journey and seeing her accomplish her dreams inspires me. It makes me think of the strength, determination, and resiliency that my mom owns. It also helps me realize that I too hold these qualities.

Hence, the start of my blog, finally!

I say all of that to say this:

KEEP GOING!!

If I’ve learned anything so far this year, it is that persistence is half of the battle and that same will to fight that lives in my mom also surges through our blood from our brave and determined ancestors. Often times, we become so discouraged in our dreams because we aren’t progressing as fast as we’d like to, or we aren’t as far along as the others but that’s ok, queen. Your journey develops your character, that’s why it is so important. So regroup, refocus, and keep going. And now, when I tell people who my mom is I smile real big and say the Dr. Alexander.

 “If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there’s shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”

–Thought to be said by Harriet Tubman

Congratulations Mommy, I’m so proud of you!!! ❤️