A Couple More Things

One thing I forgot to mention about today's commencement ceremony. My fellow #JMCBrownBeauties and I decided to use our moment to honor our brothers and sisters who've fallen victim to police/state brutality, showing solidarity with our people and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. So on our name cards, under our names we each wrote, "walking in honor of _____________" and included a different individual's name for the announcer to read off.

I walked in honor of Eric Garner, the innocent bystander and family man who was choked to death by police in broad daylight last summer in Staten Island. The #ICantBreathe hashtag that was circulating widely in relation to protests during the latter half of 2014 was in memory of him, since those were his last words.

Another thing that I'd like to share is that apparently, my family had a surprise for me after graduation and going out to dinner together. Around 9pm my grandpa, my uncle, my aunt, and her husband walked into Ma and I's room with... A Cake! And ice cream! And cards from the rest of the family back in Loo-uh-vuhl! And a bunch of phone calls from said family members! It was a mini graduation party in our hotel room! After having such a lovely time with everybody today, I didn't need or expect anything else. So it was overwhelming having so many good things thrown at me all in one day!

I feel greatly loved and appreciated. Lots of cards, well wishes, "Follow your dreams"s , "Keep God first"s, "I love you"s and "We're so proud of you"s came my way today. I hope to continue to make everybody proud. Praise be to God for each and every one of you.