On learning the difference between being lovable vs. likable:
"My mother explained how lovable I was, maybe not so likable, but lovable. Sometimes my temper had to be controlled when I was young, but she told me I could control anything about myself and remain lovable."
On becoming a teen mom at age 16:
"When my mother found out I was pregnant, she asked if I knew who the father was. I said that I slept with him one time. She asked me, 'Do you love him.' I said 'No.' She asked, 'Does he love you?,' and I said 'No.' In that case, she said, I will not ruin 3 lives. She did not put me down at any time and she loved my son. My mother liberated me to life by helping me to realize that I could raise my son."
On the importance of educating children:
"My grandmother gave me one order that was two pronged: When you get, give. When you learn, teach. I'm every child's teacher. I'll stop at any time with anybody. Give the child enough education -- education is imperative. And let them know that you're always there, but don't hold them in the house. Let them go. Encourage them to be self-reliant. Give them self-respect."
Beccastone is an interactive community and social network devoted to empowering mothers of Black children. Beccastone.com is a production of Genkast LLC, based in Washington, D.C. The Beccastone mark is the property of Genkast LLC. For additional information, please contact smp@beccastone.com or visit
www.beccastone.com. PRESS CONTACT:
Stephanie Phillipps
smp@beccastone.com
Posted By: Jen Fad
Sunday, March 4th 2012 at 7:48PM
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