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The day I was born
I was born in Milton, Florida into a family of 2 sisters and 1 brother. My Mother African American and my Father half African American half Native American. They were not married. My parents soon after split up and I didn't know much of my father until I entered college. No one in my family was ever married. I had formed the opinion that you just lived together and had children. -
Laurel Hill
Majority of my family lives in Laurel Hill and on the same street. From an aunt to cousins to siblings.I do have one aunt that lives in Kissimmee, Florida and one that lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Both being about 6 hours from our "hometown". If you leave and never come back like I did, they seem to push you out a little. -
Handshakes and Hugs
Within my family handshakes and hugs are the most common when greeting each other. From my older relatives we do get the kisses on the cheek to and from each other. Once I realized this I made sure to always give a firm handshake and look the person in the eye. Now in Europe you give 3 kisses on the cheek. Europeans are also big on looking each other in the eye. I don't feel awkward doing so since it is something I have been used to growing up. -
Grade School
I started grade school in Laurel Hill, Florida. It is predominately a white school. The town is mainly farm land. This is when I learned about other cultures than my own. I quickly was taught to accept everyone and keep my eyes open to new things. -
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Off to Aunties House
I then had 9, brothers and sisters.My mom wasn't able to properly take care of all of us. My Aunt Carol Lee lived 6 hours away. I went to live with her for awhile. My aunt is the one who taught me manners and to work for what I have. I always addressed her with, "yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes please, no thank you". She made me the respectful man that I am today. -
Heads up
When I moved back with my mom I realized a lot. In my family it seems that no one has learned real boundaries. They will just show up at your house without calling first. Although, if you live further than 30 to 45 minutes away there is no way you will get them to come visit you. I struggle with that since we live in Texas and Europe most of the year. I will always have to go see them if I want a visit.I always want to be intentional about seeing how others in my family are. -
Celebration
When I moved home from my Aunties house I realized in my family celebrating birthdays and holidays were a big deal. This culture dates back to my Aunt Annie Jackson who was a grandmother to the family. The whole family would come together as one. Bringing their favorite foods and gifts for one another. My family and I now do this with all of our friends we meet in Europe. It can be hard being away from family, but treating friends as family with celebrations is a fun way to connect. -
Legal Guardian
I started to work for a man in our community cutting grass. He is white and an ex cop. One day he asked if I wanted to live with him and his family. My mom signed over her guardianship to him. Just like that I gained another family. I lived with them until I went off to college. When my family and I go back to Florida we still stay with him. He gave me my first job and took care of me when no one else could. He taught me to be a man of my word and how to provide for a family. -
Southeastern Louisiana
Right after High School I received a scholarship to play basketball in college. This was my first time leaving Florida. That was my first ever culture shock. The cajun culture is different than the farmland of Florida where I grew up. French speaking people, tasty food and a party for everything was an interesting thing to experience. I started to become open minded about all the great things around me. There is more to the world than a small farm town. -
Money, Money, Money
I realized once I hit College at Texas Tech that my family only called when they needed something. I was their source to get them out of a rut. If I say no, I am the black sheep. If I say yes, I am the best until the next time I say no. I learned long ago from my legal guardian that you have to take care of yourself and family. Then, if you feel led to give more in certain areas God will give you the tug on your heart and you will know it is right. -
Huesca, Spain
Huesca, Spain was my first city in Europe that I lived in. It was cultural shock like I had never experienced before. I couldn't handle the food, all I did was sleep and I was homesick. Barely anyone there spoke English since it was a small city. After about 2 months I got the hang of things and met some fellow English speakers. It made me realize how in America a lot of people say you should speak English. Well, in Spain they also feel if you are living there you should speak Spanish.
