You are not where you are from...

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. - Hebrews 10:35-36

Newark, like many urban areas that are highly populated with black and brown people, gets a bad reputation, mostly based upon what the media displays. Oftentimes when someone says they are from Newark, assumptions are made about their education, home life, finances before getting to know them.

“You are not where you are from”.

My mother used to tell me this.

You are not the statistic the media portrays.

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Recognizing this holiday reminds us that we need to celebrate our own self worth. Do not be enslaved by your circumstances. There is more to you than your accomplishments, career, and even public image.

Who you are is made up of your values, beliefs, and passions. This is what drives you each day! No matter your background or current circumstance you have something to offer worth celebrating!

Happy Juneteenth!