I began writing in 2011, at thirty-two years old. I’d never thought of myself as a writer. I had terrible grammar (okay, still have). I want to thank the following people who at some point helped me grow as a writer—I am a better writer for their efforts. Thank you to Lindsey Alexander, Rachel Solomon, Suja Sukumar, Kiki Nguyen, Wade White, Laura VP, Aften Brooks Szymanski, PCC Crew, Jenny Chou, Cindy Rodriguez, Kara Taylor. And to my Willamette Writers/SCBWI Oregon family, who made me feel welcome in a space where there were only a couple of Black attendees each year: Fonda Lee (we pitched together years ago, and you were my first real-life writer friend), Christine Mitchell (one day I will write a script! You are a joy!), Joanna Bartlett (my roomie), Jennie Komp (write that book, it needs to be told), Cindy Swanson, and Heather Penn. And to the recent years’ WilWrite conference planners, who have made the effort to bring diverse speakers to Oregon. It matters and I appreciate it.

To the sponsors of all the writing contests I was successful at and those I wasn’t: I gained something through all of it. To all the people who create communities through social media: You make it a better place. Especially Brenda Drake, Kellye Garrett, and Beth Phelan.

To my first online writing and publishing communities: PCC for life, Write Pack, and the #Roaring20sdebutgroup. To all those who made voice and space for my book to even exist, such as the diversity kidlit groups, We Need Diverse Books, and Justina Ireland for Write in the Margins. Thank you.

To the people who tried to crush my dreams: You didn’t. I’m ten times stronger now.

To the Sigma Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: As your graduate advisor, I hope you learn from me as much as I learn from you. To Zeta Sigma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: You continue to fill my tank of sisterhood and inspiration. Every day you hold your heads up and aspire to the highest standard. Be supreme in service to ALL mankind.

To all the Black student leaders I’ve been blessed to support and learn from, past and present: Your sacrifice to be an activist and leader will teach you lessons that will take you far in life, personally and professionally. You don’t sit back and watch, you move for change. Shout-out to BSU, BWA, BMA, BSTF, and whatever iteration of groups you turn into; keep trying to work together.

To Doneka, my bestie/boss: Thank you for pushing and supporting me. We don’t have easy positions, but you always have my back and make sure to tell me to “WRITE, so we can get up outta here.” I wouldn’t be able to manage writing, family, service, and work if I didn’t have people in my life like you who make it okay to do this.