When people first meet someone, it gernerally takes very little time for them to form an opinion about that person. Whether it's an opinion about the type of person you are, or the lifestyle that you live, your actions and demeanor have given that person enough information about you that they think they know who you are. Most people who look at me think that I come from a middle class family, somewhat privileged, and know nothing about what it truly means to be "black". Well I'm guessing that you've figured out that since I'm writing this, that it's the exact opposite...
My family is from Atlanta; and when I say Atlanta, I mean inner city Atlanta! As early as I can remember, my family moved to many different housing projects around the Atlanta area. One of my earliest memories of life was when my mom, little siter and I lived in a housing project called East Lake Meadows. The nickname of this project was called "Little Vietnam" because the violence and casualty rate of this place was very high. One night in particular, I remember waking up to the sound of machine guns being fired through our windows. I remember my mother and a friend of hers holding mine and my sisters' heads down, so as not to get caught in the gun fire, or in the path of flying glass. Thankfully no one was hurt that night, but definitely not of the fondest of my first memories.
My mom, sister and I later went to live with an aunt and her kids. I remember there were nine of us, living in a two bedroom, 1 bath apartment. There were 4 bunk beds in one room for the kids, my aunt and uncle had their room and my mom and sister slept on the couches. It was tough to make it work sometimes, but it was what we had to do to survive.
I will be the first to admit that my upbringing was a bit rough, but I use these experiences to help better my life, and others around me. So a slight glimpse into my background, but way more to come! You think you know, but you have no idea...
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