In my early college and career years, I used to shrink down and dim my light. I was in a predominately white male industry. I was usually the only black, the only woman, and most often, the only black woman in the room. I used to be so uncomfortable being "the representation" of how black people are.

I used to want to scream that I couldn't be the spokesperson for the black population. I would try to shrink myself down or disappear. It felt like an awful burden to bare.

That's before I realized my black girl magic. I still hate the feeling of speaking for all black people, but now I embrace the gift I've been given.

I don't represent all black people or all women but BAYBEE to know me is to know a confident, compassionate, LOUD, crazy, funny, smart and often sassy woman. I've been the "the black friend" to some, but I've ALWAYS been honest in my opinions. I don't think like every black person. I think like Tameka. I am passionate about letting people know that there are spaces we aren't represented or welcomed, but we are quite capable of occupying. I fight for our justice and equality. I fight for those that don’t have a voice. I fight for women who have been silenced. I fight for black people who are tired of being strong. I FIGHT💪🏾ALWAYS🖤

I strive to be a representative for other black people to show them that we are multi dimensional; We have options. That we can walk into a room and be an INDIVIDUAL...like everyone else...with a little sprinkle of black magic💫🖤