In commemoration of Pride Month, I remind everyone of the importance of being yourself, accepting who you are, and living in your truth unapologetically.

I am thankful for all of the individuals who came before me who stood up for Gay and Lesbian rights. Without them, we would not be able to get married and have benefits at our places of employment for ourselves and our partners, nor would we walk freely in the United States without being harassed, threatened, and belittled simply because of our sexual orientation. Therefore I start by saying Happy Pride Month to everyone identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S).

Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, I grew up in a loving family. I always knew my family loved me because of how they treated me with love and respect always. Fast forward to undergrad, I had a realization that I am gay. Leading up to graduation, I had a life-changing experience. There was a scholarship that all of us student leaders applied for called The Keeper of Dream Award. The scholarship was in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). I applied for the scholarship, and I did not get it. I was sad and depressed.

Nonetheless, fate stepped in, and a friend of mine who won the scholarship called me and said I do not know why you did not get this award, and I want you to have a seat at my table because I can bring 3 guests. I was honored and ecstatic. Additionally, my friend told me there would be a reception before the actual awards dinner, and I would get to meet Mrs. Coretta Scott King because she will be the keynote speaker. At the reception, I met Mrs. King. She shook my right hand, and I thanked her for fighting for civil rights. I felt like I was in the presence of a queen, and it was a moment I will never forget for as long as I live. Next, we ate dinner at the awards ceremony, and it is time for Mrs. King to approach the microphone for her keynote speech. She talked about everything from Women's and Children's rights, global warming and then touched on lesbian and gay rights. I almost spit out my water because I had no idea Mrs. King was a gay rights activist. Although we have many allies on our campus, I needed to hear her say, "Do not be homophobic and make room at the table for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters who are also a part of the beloved community." Mrs. King's voice is the first voice that caught my attention because she was powerful and had a significant influence being one of the most potent Black woman leaders of the civil rights movement.

I felt proud. In fact, it helped me to come out to my mother before going to graduate school. I came out to my mom, and of course, she already knew I am gay. We had a wonderful conversation. She told me she would support me forever and that I was her son, and she loved me unconditionally. Moving forward, I have been able to walk in my truth, be proud of who I am, and inspire others along the way.  

I wanted to share my truth by paying tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King because she helped me. I encourage you to be comfortable in your own skin and make no apologies for who you are because I believe the creator makes different individuals for a reason, and you should be yourself. Do not try to be anyone else because imitation is suicide. Send someone a kind word and let them know you care. Happy Pride Month to you all!