control your narrative

It's amazing how we, as a people, can transform any story or struggle that is presented to us into our greatest strengths. But who truly holds the power to shape our narratives?

On October 6, 2022, I learned firsthand how easily someone else's distorted interpretation could change my life when I was charged with a third-degree felony. My identity threatened to shift from that of a young, professional, and creative visionary to that of a threat to society, a statistic, a stereotype, and a convicted felon due to one police officer's biased viewpoint. 

Despite never having met me or done any research into my true character, the author of the article that was published after my arrest felt justified in smearing my reputation. 

Even though going through this treatment was frustrating, I came to the realization that, in the end, we are the ones who decide our own fate. While external forces might make an effort to influence and change our story, it is up to us to fight back and retake control. 

Anyone can be convinced they are being told the truth by only telling a portion of the story, but by exercising critical thought and being aware of the motivations behind the information being presented to us, we have the power to resist any manipulation attempts and mold our story into one that accurately reflects our character and our experiences. 

I won't allow a skewed and uncompleted account to damage my reputation.

Here, I promise to myself and the world that my name will be associated with triumph. 

I am a professional, an artist, an activist, a person of love and compassion, a mentor, a student, a conqueror, a visionary, a leader, a nonconformist, a rebel, a friend, a brother, and a son, and I contribute my ideas, thoughts, and energy to the world to make it a better place. 

Above all, I'll continue to direct my narrative and pray for my adversaries.