Bio
How I Got Into Writing and Performing Poetry
We all have stories of how we started discovering our passions and interests. In my case, I began showing interest in writing at an early age. Discover more about me and my journey to becoming an author.
My Childhood
I was born in Waxahachie, Texas. My parents divorced when I was in 2nd grade and my Mom moved us to Dallas, Texas. My mom’s favorite saying was "an idle mind is a devil's workshop," and as a single parent, her mission was to keep our minds active through reading books.
Every summer, she would give me and my brothers a book to read. We had to read the book, and at the end of the summer be able to discuss it with her. My brothers would try to “BS” her, but my mother, an avid reader herself, had already read every book! My brothers quickly learned what the phrase “mama don’t play” meant. However, She took me to another level by entering me into public speaking contests, which fueled my interest in the art of public speaking.
My Humble Beginnings
I was asked to speak at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (Midlothian, Texas) Family and Friends Day where I recited the poem “Preacher’s Vacation”. This was during a time when preachers did not take vacations. Needless to say, this was a yearly request by this church and others.
I entered my first competition when I was in 5th grade where I recited “The Town of Don’t You Worry, by The Banks of The River Side”. Placing in the top two of the competition encouraged me to continue improving my public speaking and poetry reciting skills by entering other competitions.
High School and Beyond
I identified myself as an up-and-coming poet in high school, I was inspired by my late high school English teacher, Bonnie Pullum. I wrote my first poem titled Loving You. Mrs. Pullum was an exceptional teacher with an ability to say things that made you think. One of her favorite sayings was “it is better to remain silent and have one think you are a fool, or open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
In 1987, I wrote my second poem called The Search. This poem was entered into a poetry contest and accepted and published in the The National Anthology of Poetry: Days of Future Past.
In 1995, I wrote my first play titled Family Reunion that was performed by Greenspoint Baptist Church youth department.
I pursued writing and joined other contests as well. In 12th grade, I placed second in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition. I also competed in the first Miss Black North Texas State pageant at the formerly known as North Texas State University (Denton, Texas). For my talent, I recited Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again” and won 2nd runner up.
My Education and Professional Background
I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. I also pursued a master's degree in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, which I completed from Abilene Christian University (Abilene, Texas).
I developed a college ministry program that has been implemented at two large Houston, Texas churches; “The College Survivor Ministry, Building Your Toolbox™ ”.
My current job still allows me to use my creativity. I am also a trained and certified mediation professional.
Connect With Me
For more information about my works, please feel free to connect with me using the link below. I am more than ready to accept your inquiry!