We MADE IT!!! You all have inspired, encouraged, and pushed me to complete this challenge with you. I didn’t give up because of your love! You held me accountable to post for 30 days about what I am #SteeleThankful for. So much happened this month. I started a new career. I moved out of the storage place, and settling in my new crib. This whole month has been preparing me for this moment. COMPLETION. My first book is now a year…
Last year I was apart of two wedding parties. It was an honor to watch people that are so special to me dedicate their lives to walking this journey in life with someone else…as one. This year my bonus sister tied the knot. My sister’s best friend married her soul mate. The biggest honor was her asking if I could help her get in her bridal gown before the blessed event. I was beaming with excitement. My sister’s friends were…
What motivates me? Pictures like this! This is one of the first photos I received after the book was released. When I hear parents, or more little readers ask, “when can I read the next book?” “I want to be an Alleykat.” “I want to write my own children’s book.” ALL of the above motivates me. My heart melts whenever I receive feedback about the book, or receive a review on the Amazon page. My goal when I started writing…
Current Time: 3:57 AM EST Your purpose keeps you awake at night. Your purpose requires sacrifice. Your purpose is not about money. Your purpose is larger than you. Your purpose is your gift to the world. The Final 48 Project documentary and photography campaign has completely changed my life. I documented the most stories this year. The support and willingness to share the stories of African Americans dealing with grief is something I never saw myself doing. It has absolutely changed…
This year I had a 3rd grade class participate in a book review contest. The students reviewed the first book in my series, Adventures of Alleykats – The Missing President. I was able to read all the reviews submitted, and choose the top three. The students were awarded with a goodie bag, that included an autographed book from yours truly. I can say that was one of my highlights of 2016. I will tell you if you want honest feedback ask…
On this day I received a delay that lead to a No. I was attempting to tell my story for the photography campaign portion of my documentary, “Final 48 Project.” It was a must that I document the place that my father and I patronized every day the last summer that we spent together. The day I received a No was the day that my outlook changed. When working towards something that you truly want there will be instances when…
I was blessed to spend 12 years of my life with the beautiful woman in this picture. That’s my Granny. I was born a day after her 63rd birthday. She even nicknamed me, “Pride and Joy.” Among other nicknames, but I won’t get into all of that. When she left my world there was a void that could never be filled. There were so many questions that I had for her. Even though she was my granny, all I knew…
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 When I tell you that the FAITH WALK is not easy. Baby…let me tell you. Even the believers of Jesus Christ get weary in this walk. And if you don’t, I’m gone say what kinda faith you got cause I want some. The path can be lit with only a flashlight; meaning you can only see so far down the path. I was…
I’ve heard people say time and time again I wish I had friends like yours. Well, my answer is I AINT SHARING! Lol. I’m kidding. Seriously, it wasn’t always this way. My friends are the bomb DOT com. I seriously have a girl friend that has come into my life at every stage of my existence. I have friends (both male and female) from Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Undergrad, Grad, Losing My Father, and then Grad School again….
I had no idea when I started the Center for Documentary Studies program at Duke University that I would meet so many amazing people. They are my community. They keep me grounded, motivated, and accountable for my ongoing work. I can remember where I was standing when Rebecca told me that the Final 48 Project will not work without injecting myself in the story. She was right. That was exactly what I needed to hear. The mentors, instructors, cohorts, and support…