Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with my brother and friend Tedashii. Some people may know him from his music in the hip-hop space, but I have gotten to know him over the years as a friend and brother.
This interview is a little different. Normally, I ask people questions and go back and forth with them about their journey, but Tedashii said that he wanted to interview me about my life over the past three years and talk about what the last three years have been like: navigating a near-fatal car accident, grieving my father’s death, and walking through my son’s health challenges while holding on to faith, seeking healing, and finding the strength to keep moving forward.
I’ve been in some dark places during this stretch of my life. There were moments when grief seemed to take my voice. There were times when the weight of it all felt unbearable. And yet, what helped me keep pressing forward was not having all the answers or rushing through the pain. It was being given space to be honest, to lament, to breathe, and to heal.
That’s what Tedashii gave me in this conversation. He made space for me to reflect, to grieve, and to share openly. In doing so, he reminded me that real healing often begins when we are seen and heard, without pressure to perform or pretend.
When people simply do what I have communicated to others for years and say, “I see you!!!”
As I prepare to release my new book in three days, From Dropout to Doctorate, I’m even more aware of how the journey toward purpose is shaped by pain. Writing became one of my ways of grieving, of naming the things I had lost while holding on to what I still believe is possible.
Talking with Tedashii reminded me that none of us get through these seasons alone. We all need encouragers, truth-tellers, and friends who will walk with us through adversity.
I’m sharing this conversation here because I believe it can encourage you, too. If you’ve been through loss, if you’re struggling with how to move forward, or if you simply need a reminder that healing is possible, I hope this will meet you where you are.
The video above is a snippet, but you can watch the full video below in the Notes From The Field category of my YouTube channel.
DisruptED Tour
I’m excited to share that I’ll be in a few cities soon, talking about what it means to show up and serve communities facing homelessness, poverty, and deep need—while also sharing my story along the way.
(Happening Today) Atlanta — Sept. 6th → RSVP Here
Chicago — Sept. 16th → RSVP Here
Dallas — Sept. 24th → RSVP Here
Louisville — Oct. 13th → RSVP Here
If you’re looking for a way to get involved:
Show up in person to support the book launch and students in Atlanta.
Donate to Zion’s Closet and every item goes straight to students and helps us serve hundreds of children in a single school.
Volunteer by signing up to serve with Love Beyond Walls if you are in Atlanta.
Preorder the book and share it with someone who cares about students (6 days away).
And if nothing else—send prayers and positivity as we continue to do this work.
Book Dr. Lester to Speak [HERE]
Listen to the Imgaine Dignity Podcast [HERE]
