From a young age, I’ve known what it felt like to be the underdog. Society often sees us underdogs as unlikely to succeed; it’s as if the deck is perpetually stacked against us. But, like Alicia Keys sings in her song “Underdog,” it’s those of us who keep running despite the odds who find our way to triumph.

My journey as an African American woman, mother, and storyteller has been marked by significant challenges, but it’s through these challenges that I discovered my true strength. Growing up, I was often overlooked and underestimated. People saw me as just another face in the crowd, another statistic. I juggled multiple roles — single mother to three children, working more than one job to keep the lights on and food on the table, all while managing the daily grind of life. The whispers of doubt grew louder: You missed your chance. You’re too old to achieve your goals. Each day was a marathon with no finish line in sight, and self-care was a luxury I felt I simply couldn’t afford. 

Motherhood came with its own set of trials. My children were my priority and I was determined to give them a much better life with the stability I did not have. Daily schedules included school runs, homework help, and extracurricular activities . . . resulted in little time left for myself. I wore all the hats — mother, provider, nurturer, disciplinarian — but none that allowed me to focus on my own dreams. My aspirations were pushed aside, gathering dust while I navigated the complexities of daily life.

Then came the moment that changed everything. In my mid-thirties, I suffered a heart attack. I instantly realized I had been neglecting the most important person in my life — myself. I had been running on empty, trying to be everything for everyone, forgetting how important it is to be something for oneself. 

That health scare was my wake-up call. It was time to reclaim my life. I decided to pursue my passion for writing, a passion that had always simmered beneath the surface. I recalled the words of “Underdog” by Alicia Keys.

They said I would never make it, but I was built to break the mold. I refused to be defined by my circumstances.
Alicia Keys

I was determined to rise, not just for my children, but for myself. The joy of overcoming the “underdog” mindset became exhilarating. Each step, no matter how small, was a victory. I learned to celebrate my achievements and to care for myself in ways I once neglected.

Writing became my sanctuary and safe place, an escape from the relentless demands of everyday life. Every stolen moment — during lunch breaks, late at night, early in the morning — was spent writing. Words poured from me like a flood, each sentence becoming a testament of my resilience. The characters and scenes I created were reflections of my own struggles and triumphs. Through storytelling, I found a voice I didn’t know I had, a voice that resonated with others who felt marginalized and overlooked.

When I published my article “My Voice is Dope” on Hallmark Mahogany, it was a moment of profound joy and validation. It was proof that I could defy the odds, that I could turn my “underdog” story into one of success. The metaphor of the “Underdog” song became my reality — I had transformed my life’s challenges into a source of strength and inspiration. 

Through this journey, I learned the valuable lesson that being an underdog is not a permanent state, but a phase that can be overcome. I learned the importance of self-belief, persistence, and the power of storytelling. Society may try to label us based on statistics and preconceived notions, but we have the power to rewrite our narratives.

Today, I share my story not just to celebrate my success, but to inspire others who might feel like an underdog. To all of you out there, remember that you have the strength to rise above your challenges. You don’t have to stay in the shadows. With determination and self-belief, you can shine brightly, proving that you are capable of extraordinary triumphs. 

The joy of overcoming life’s challenges lies not just in external achievements, but in the internal transformation that comes with it. Every obstacle I faced became a lesson; every doubter a catalyst for my growth. By embracing my journey, I found a deeper well of strength and resilience — and I hope my story inspires you to find yours. Keep running, keep believing, and you, too, will rise from the shadows.