We are Black History. Throughout the month of February, our writers and some members of our team will share more about themselves in the form of “I am from” statements. We believe our experiences, our culture, our identities and truths shape black history, and are part of the broader spectrum of the black experience.
Valda Valbrun, Principal Strategist with The Winters Group, continues in this week’s feature post.
[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”lifted-both” width=”550px” height=”” background_color=”#241ba4″ border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]
I am from….
By Valda Valbrun
I am from Austrel and Marie-Denise’s sacrifices.
I am from immigrant work ethic and “leave everything you touch, better than you found it.”
I am from a hyphenated life; Haitian-American, “diri kole ak pwa” (Haitian red beans and rice) at home and grilled cheese sandwiches at school.
I am from the loneliness of only-ness; the only one of my siblings born in the United States, the only black kid at that Catholic School, and the only adult of color as Principal of that middle School.
I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a teacher, a leader.
I am from “you’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl” to owning the meaning of my name.
I am Valda: powerful, a ruler, a warrior.
I am from resilient people, who stand tall despite disasters.
I am from sitting in the sacrifices of many, and I honor them each and every day as I give back to the world.
[/dropshadowbox]
