It takes a different level of courage to talk about what one’s gone through

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

It takes a different level of courage to talk about what one’s gone through. Your bravery has, and will always be, admirable. I can only hope that those who watch this and listen to your story, they take with them the lessons of resilience and continuous struggle for triumph.

 Often times, when we’re in the thick of it, and see others doing well, we think/feel that we can never achieve that, feel that being in the thick of it is all we’re ever going to be, but in reality, one never knows what another has gone through, to be in the shoes they’re in, so I hope your story can shed light on many who feel they’re stuck in the thick of it, that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that the fight is worth it. Congrats! Mehrab Mirza

What I have come to realize is that this column has turned into what will soon be my book.

It is an interesting experience; realizing that your life story is playing out and people are actually interested in it.

My past is conflicted and messy. It is not the white picket fence, dog, husband and two children. I don’t hear the pitter-patter of feet, I don’t wake up with a husband beside me, and at times I wonder why. Why me?

I have been told time and time again that God will not give more than you can bear, and it makes me wonder just how strong does God think I am? He must think I am pretty strong because as I tell my story, I see the times when I should have been scared, where I should have been crushed by the pain that I was feeling, but that didn’t happen.

I felt the pain, and I worked through it. It has not been easy, and I have had my challenges, but I persevere.

“Greetings my sister! Congratulations on your new movie. I am sure it will be able to help many young people from falling down the deep precipice that you have fallen into. Continue to be true to yourself and walk with your head held high.” Mansa Beycando KanKan Musa

This week, I found out that the documentary about my story had been entered into the Ottawa Black Film Festival. The director of the film is the young and talented Selina McCallum, who took the time to be sensitive, and portray my journey in an intriguing way. The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black chose Selina for their mentorship, training and creation program that is entirely dedicated to black filmmakers. They chose twenty filmmakers from across Canada to share stories just like mine. Stories that motivate, inspire, and make you think.

Prison Bars to Page Lines was selected to be a part of the Ottawa Black Film Festival. The festival is dedicated to giving a unique voice to black filmmakers, and to promote more films about the reality of black people from around the Globe. I knew that the film was going to be in a few film festivals, but what I didn’t expect was the outpouring that I received from people I have met, and even people who I don’t know.

Lessons, resilience, confidence…. Takes us all on epic journeys, and your journey will change lives! Dawn Davis

This is exactly why I choose to tell my story; to help others realize that their journey is important, their stories are important. We all have a story to tell, we have all suffered pain, trauma and loss. The question is, have you faced your trauma, and are you ready to?  Are you ready to show your scars to the world, let them see that you are not Instagram perfect? You may not be, and that is okay, but I hope that at some point, you will be.

Thank you for sharing your story! So many in our community can relate, yet feel so alone. Your bravery is inspiring! Anika Austrie

 I want to thank everyone for their support. My heart feels full.