I am not black, but I have black family members. I went to a public school in NYC with many black classmates. Some of which are lifelong friends. So, I was raised with healthy respect and admiration for black leaders and culture.
This month, I am going to share with you some of my heroes.
First up, Sister Diaz. She was a youth leader in church when I was a teenager. This woman raised her own 2 kids, was a dedicated law enforcement officer, and one of the most faith filled people I have ever known. At church, she took us all as if we were hers.
Sister Diaz would talk to us in a way that got through the stubborness of adolescence. I remember when I was a senior in high school, I was talking about my time in Finland she just listened and then said something like: ‘open those scriptures, you know better.’
Today, Sister Diaz still checks on me. I get texts, social media messages, the phone calls, and we even met in person last year.
She’s my hero because she is still here. 30+ years after we were living in the same area, and she’s still part of my life.
Indomitable Bellatrix 