PERKS Podcast

Dr. Maya Angelou is an epitome of perseverance. She grew up around Jim Crow and also faced sexual assumptions. Despite all of the trials she went through she was determined to be heard and heard she was. She went on to become one of the best poets of our time. Her words are not just filled with pain, but they consist of love, endurance, sadness, vulnerability, and a plethora of other emotions. Why know her? She set the way for black openess. In a time of “family business is family business” she aired out the problem and sought her healing. May her example continue to push each of us of our generation to admit problems and seek help.

An excerpt from her book “ You gotta live, make your own goals”.

Jenifer Lewis is one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, with more than 300 appearances in film and television. I picture Jenifer Lewis as the auntie that doesn’t mess around but is also a good time. Also with being a fabulous actress and activist she’s a social media sensation. Jenifer Lewis has had a wide-ranging and varied career in music and theater.Jenifer has presented more than 200 concerts, performing in 48 states and five continents.
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In her book she lays everything out! You will laugh, shed a couple of tears and have numerous takeaways from reading her book. She’s doesn’t sugarcoat anything! She reveals that she finally acquiesced to getting therapy and it was there she found a name for what ailed her—she was bipolar. I love how she outlines her process of healing, a process that was far from perfect. I admire her for having the courage to face her demons and to not give up. Jenifer wrote this book in hopes to help others who suffer from depression. This book helped me to see there is a brighter side when going through a tough situation. It’s okay to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to heal. Seeking help is okay and it’s doesn’t matter at what age you try. When I read her memoir, I felt like I knew her personally and didn’t just see her as a character on a tv screen. I like how honest and brave she was in telling her story; good and bad. This book is a true inspiration!

Michelle Obama aka Chel Bae. This lady embodies the term “strong black woman”. Her book is a rollercoaster of emotions. She starts off by tell us about her humble beginnings and the functionality of her family. As her narrative progresses Mrs. Obama not only tells us about her wins but also her losses. She talks about all of the trials she went through to get to where she wanted to be in life. She does spend a considerable amount of time talking about the scrutiny that she faced as the FIRST black FIRST LADY of these United States of America. The fact that she was able to withstand and tolerate the media and yt people constantly demonizing her family, calling her a monkey, and still love with grace is just BEAUTIFUL. I think every black teenager should be required to read “Becoming: Michelle Obama” in school. This book is not controversial but rather an embodiment of grit and determination. Thank you for such a great book, thank you for aspiring young black girls to do better, and thank you for you 8 years of service for a job many did not appreciate you being apart of. We read, we appreciate, and we respect you  Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama!