Happy Birthday to the Woman who taught me Responsibility, Integrity, and how to stand on my own two feet. Anna Mae Nichols was born in Harlem, New York and had a heart of gold but was tough as nails. She raised 3 boys (Gregory, Jeffrey and Stephen) in the South Bronx during the hardest times in New York City History. Moving from an abandon building on the Grand Concourse to Patternson Project in the late 1970’s she did whatever it took to take care of her 3 boys. In the midst of Gangs, Prostitution, Drug Dealers, and Drug abusers she was determined to see that each of her boys recieved their High Schoold Diplomas and become productive citizens. I will forever be grateful to this woman because she never would let me quit or give up on myself or on my dreams.
I remember when I was 19yrs old in Boot Camp and I was having a hard time adjusting and wanted to quit and come back home. After two weeks the Navy finally allowed me to call home and I told her that I was quiting and was tired of those white people telling me what to do. She told me that day..”There was nothing for me to go back for or to”. She reminded me that day that she didnt raise “Weak Ass Kids or punks”..lol..4 Real. She told me that day…If I could deal with the street of the South Bronx and Harlem…there was nothing in the world that should be able to stop me.
And I have to tell you “She Was 100% Right”. Because of Anna Nichols I am the man I am today…I never bowed, feared, or felt less than any man. Thank you Mrs. Annna Mae Nichols….You will never be forgotten!
R.I.P Mommy……I love you with all my heart.
