Family
My parents were born in Haiti. I was born and raised in the US with a happy childhood in New York. I grew up in a community that instilled in me Black pride, and advocacy (We elected the first Black mayor of NY state, Ron Blackwood).
 Visiting my brother Steve in Boston. |  Me and my mom trying to get Nala to look forward for a photo. |  Me and my sister posing poolside. |
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 My youngest brother and I spending quality time together. |  My cool godson. |  My eldest brother and Diamond. (We have a favorite dog type, lol) |
 Spending time with my brothers, both who are great dads and will make great uncles. |  My undergraduate professor and his wife, who are practically family, and I share a meal. |
Friends
My friends are a great support system for me. I lost my father this year, and they took care of Nala while I traveled for the funeral. They've encouraged me to adopt (some have adopted as well). They are looking forward to being aunties and uncles of my little one.
My friends would describe me as helpful, thoughtful and kind. They know that I am always willing and eager to assist others and see me as a problem solver. I love to have fun and some of my friends with kids like that I find non-traditional things to do with them such as watching the inflation of the balloons the night before the Thanksgiving Day parade.
 Laughing it up with my girlfriends France and Cass. |  My friend Wara and I enjoying the beautiful views and amazing sky over the Brooklyn Bridge. |  Met my good friend Liz for dinner in downtown Manhattan. |
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 Met with community advocates for dinner and drinks. |  My friend's daughter Lessa & her favorite picture of me and her mom. |  After church service picture with friends before brunch. |
 Still in touch with my prom date Danny. |  Hanging out with friends in Strasbourg, France. |  Lunch with work colleagues. |
 While in Paris, France this year, I visited the exhibit on "Black Indians of New Orleans" with some friends. |  Puzzle time with Aunty Nancy and Lessa. |  Hanging out in Bogota with law school friend Rafe. |
 Celebrating my friend Marie's birthday with her twins. |  I have known some of my friend's kids since they were babies, like Lessa here pulling my hair. |  Practicing carrying my friend's daughter on my back with an African Kanga. |
 Spending a Saturday with good friends on our way to catch a movie — Black Adam. |