This month the word is Defy. It means to confront with assured power of resistance; to challenge to do something considered impossible. In facing some of these fears, we change the world.

Nannie Helen Burrough’s life exemplifies what determination looks like.  She wanted to ensure that African American women and girls had access to education that could improve their lives. She worked through many different ways to provide that education, as a teacher, as an activist and as a businesswoman.

It reminds me that I can be determined about something, but it doesn’t mean there is only one way to get it done. Use all the paths to accomplish the goal.

Determination is not always that strong will to keep going no matter what. I think that is where people get tired and stop. At least that is where I get tired and stop.

Determination for me is that moment when you want to stop and you do a little bit more. Then you do a little bit more. Then you realize that you are almost done, so your go ahead and finish it.

So I do.

She had worked hard for an education during a time it was a hard won prize for African Americans.  When Nannie Helen Burroughs finished school and applied for teaching positions in the system that educated her, she was refused because of the color of her skin.  Her dark brown skin would relegate her to jobs as domestic servants.

She was determined to not let that happen. She set out for a life where she could teach and help other women in her place have a different future. Her determination changed lives.

This month the word is Determination. It means a firmness pf purpose; resoluteness. This process of establishing something exactly by calculation or research. In order to accomplish some things one has to be determined.

Curiosity is the thing that allows me to explore the world around me. It sends me in different directions allowing my art to experience the world in different ways. This past year I have explored new avenues of storytelling.

Jones was an artist, teacher, folk dancer, basketball coach and much more.

The word curiosity is not often used in a positive way. Maybe because questioning or searching for something doesn’t always bring positive vibes.

Lois Mailou Jones took classes throughout her lifetime. She spent her life learning new things and growing as an artist. She probably spent a lot of time asking questions and seeking new information.

The results. Her work.

This month the word is Curiosity. It means a strong desire to know or learn something. This is the thing that keeps us fresh, fun and alive. This month I will explore all of these things.

A guiding principle in Truth’s life was courage.

She made choices throughout her life that reflected her
courage in life as she did not defer to danger or pain. She did not shrink back
but approached it with full force.

She is an example for me of what courageous looks like.

Sometimes being courageous comes when you are at the point where you just can’t take the circumstances anymore. Several times in her life, Sojourner Truth found herself in a place where she made a choice that others would not make.

Sometimes courage is being scared but doing the right thing.