My mother’s story begins with resilience; adopted at birth, she forged her own distinctive path. Her story begins in the late 1960s, in Patterson, New Jersey. Through education, her story evolved and continues to evolve into one of high academic achievement. My mother’s story is threaded by generosity, as she leads her community through faith and her work as a licensed clinical therapist. To me, she is the epitome of an empowered woman.
She was adopted into a loving home that consisted of her mom, dad, siblings and many foster kids that would come and go. She learned to cultivate strength at a young age, having the ability to adapt as nature competed with nurture. My mother’s favorite word is grit. The biggest event that shaped our family’s life was when my mother survived Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake in 2010 while she was there on a mission trip. She has shown persistence, grace and compassion in the face of trauma.
My mother received her Bachelor’s Degree, even as she faced discrimination from her freshman roommate whose mother decided she didn’t want her daughter to room with a black girl the day they arrived on campus. She went on to complete her Masters of Theology as a single parent to me, my sister and her niece that she adopted around the time. Currently, my mom is applying to get her PhD in religion, psychology and culture. Her tenacity to continue to reach for greater heights and further her education, especially at her age, is simply inspiring. Since I was young, education has consistently been at the forefront of the values she taught me. She taught me that if we wanted to help build a better world we must start with educating ourselves. I can never take for granted that she stayed in an area and paid higher taxes, for us to receive an education from one of the top public school systems in New Jersey.
Throughout her life my mother has displayed unconditional generosity to her community. Her life’s work exists to help people lead healthier and happier lives. She is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, a committed leader in her church community, and leading change in mental health space. In the late 80s she wrote a grant to create one of the first HIV and AIDS prevention programs. Over the years she has continued to pour into the lives of others through leadership roles in church, currently serving as executive pastor, and has her own practice as a mental health therapist.
My mother’s story is filled with many peaks and valleys, but she continues to create a better world for others. When I am feeling hopeless or fearful I remember the blood of resilience that runs through my veins. You too can remember that you can achieve great things through educating yourself and helping those around you. You too can remember that radiating generosity is the key to happiness.
By Madison Sumners
Fall Design Intern
Piece has been edited for clarity and brevity
