I know Rosa Parks is so much more about the bus boycott, but she sparked something that changed the lives of my people forever. So for that, and for everything she’s done to advance equality, I thank her.

It may be a shocker to those who can’t tell from my picture, but I am African American. My family came here from Bermuda and I am fourth generation here. My grandfather was in the British navy and met my Granny at a USO party. It’s from him that I get my light skin, but Granny gave me my face. I look exactly like her.

I was raised to be a strong, proud Black woman so that is what I consider myself today. I am able to do this because of women like Mrs. Parks and my grandmother (who dared to marry a White man) and I can never thank them enough.

On an only slightly less sappy note, happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends out there!! 😀