Telling My Story

Telling your own story can be scary. I never imagined telling anyone how I felt growing up but after I'd reached adulthood and realized no one was talking about what I was sure others besides felt, I knew it was time.

Making 'State Champions', with the wonderful and talented Rick Cokerham and Ali Azakka, has not only given me the opportunity to talk about racial identity, it's also given my fellow Blue Devils the opportunity to talk about their experiences with racism, homophobia and bullying.

I struggled profoundly with my identity as a teen and the thought of sharing my past was and still is scary. But, even in the face of fear, I believe each of us has a mission to tell our story. I encourage you to tell yours.

(The photo is me and my childhood friend Sylvia Brown.)