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Why Are You Obsessed with My Race?
I wonder why people feel like they have the right to ask me about my personal life. I don't know how many times a day I am asked, "Who are you? Where are you from? What are you mixed with?" My replies to those people are, "Why do you care where I'm from? It is your business to know what I am mixed with? How dare you overstep your boundaries and violate my space?
Society judges my skin color, my hair, and my exotic features. It does not accept me for being who I am. I often hear, "You are too light to be black" or "You are too dark to be white." They size me up with their eyes of hate as if I asked for their opinion.
I don't owe you an explanation. I am not on trial because of my background. I didn't choose my race. I did not ask to be here -- but I am here.
I am not ashamed of who I am.
You asked me, "Who am I?" The real question is, why are you obsessed with my race? Why is it any of your concern?
I am Stella. I am 16 years old, and I am proud of who I am! I am biracial, and I am a human being just like you.
Society judges my skin color, my hair, and my exotic features. It does not accept me for being who I am. I often hear, "You are too light to be black" or "You are too dark to be white." They size me up with their eyes of hate as if I asked for their opinion.
I don't owe you an explanation. I am not on trial because of my background. I didn't choose my race. I did not ask to be here -- but I am here.
I am not ashamed of who I am.
You asked me, "Who am I?" The real question is, why are you obsessed with my race? Why is it any of your concern?
I am Stella. I am 16 years old, and I am proud of who I am! I am biracial, and I am a human being just like you.
Journal Edition: Why Are You Obsessed with My Race?
What would the world be if they didn’t see color? It would be a kind, loving and perfect world.
I believe that people of mixed races should be more accepted for who they are and not be judged because they are mixed.
Who are you, and where are you from? I am a dandelion blowing in the wind, going with the flow of life. I am from reading books that don't always have happy endings. I am from taking forever to do my natural hair to make it look decent for society. I am from my parent's endless support and love. I am an overthinker who lets my thoughts run my mind. I am from trying my best and never seeing any progress. I am from a family that loves to spend time together. I am from learning the mistakes I’ve made. Having the knowledge of this changed the aspect of my identity at a young age.
My identity does not mean my exterior appearance, yet aims towards my interior self. As a human being, the traits that you have should test how you appear in life, not your race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, how you look, or even your gender.
I think it is sad that people's mindsets are the reason why there is so much hate in the world. When will it end? I do not know.
It is as if people have an illness. Their mind has a disease that has spread uncontrollably. The deadly disease is called racism, and the cure is a combination of love and respect for others.
I believe that people of mixed races should be more accepted for who they are and not be judged because they are mixed.
Who are you, and where are you from? I am a dandelion blowing in the wind, going with the flow of life. I am from reading books that don't always have happy endings. I am from taking forever to do my natural hair to make it look decent for society. I am from my parent's endless support and love. I am an overthinker who lets my thoughts run my mind. I am from trying my best and never seeing any progress. I am from a family that loves to spend time together. I am from learning the mistakes I’ve made. Having the knowledge of this changed the aspect of my identity at a young age.
My identity does not mean my exterior appearance, yet aims towards my interior self. As a human being, the traits that you have should test how you appear in life, not your race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, how you look, or even your gender.
I think it is sad that people's mindsets are the reason why there is so much hate in the world. When will it end? I do not know.
It is as if people have an illness. Their mind has a disease that has spread uncontrollably. The deadly disease is called racism, and the cure is a combination of love and respect for others.
Pinwheels & Dandelions
I was kicked around like trash on the streets. I was the book that nobody could understand or read, but without a care, they were quick to rip out the pages. I screamed for attention, but time after time, I was ignored. Nobody noticed me, so I made myself at home in my own shadow. They say there’s light at the end of the tunnel -- I searched and searched for it, but it could never be found. Therefore, I lost hope as I hid in the shade and endured what seemed like everlasting pain.
The little hope I did have was snatched from my arms. My baby brother was my life, and they took my glimpse of hope away.
Home. Is that a word? Maybe for a family of some kind, but for me, I never had a place to call home. I moved from place to place. Unstable foster care, fighting for my life in group homes, barely surviving in detention centers, and running away from being mistreated as I made many benches my temporary home.
The only thing that I was familiar with was a black plastic bag containing my dirty rags. I am too young to know what it feels like to survive. These are the cards life has dealt me and I am not meant to win; however, I easily lose without trying.
It is hard for me to find peace. I am paying for my mother’s reckless actions. I am trapped in a world where the sun has died because I am unable to feel love. I am unable to dream. Sorrow is my aura, and the sadness hugs me. My eyes are closed shut by the barbed wire fence from my eyelashes as they prohibit tears from falling.
I am damaged.
I believe I am capable of being loved. Am I? I believe so. Mentally I am in a cage and hunted by being traumatized. If or when someone adopts me, will I run them away?
When will the morning come? Did the sun put up a fight last night, like I do every single day? If I can survive the day, I know the sun isn’t dead. One day, I will awake to a glorious sunrise.
Until then, I hope my brother keeps blowing his pinwheel, and I will keep making wishes with every dandelion I come across. For now, all I know is that everything was taken from me, and the only thing I own is my name.
The little hope I did have was snatched from my arms. My baby brother was my life, and they took my glimpse of hope away.
Home. Is that a word? Maybe for a family of some kind, but for me, I never had a place to call home. I moved from place to place. Unstable foster care, fighting for my life in group homes, barely surviving in detention centers, and running away from being mistreated as I made many benches my temporary home.
The only thing that I was familiar with was a black plastic bag containing my dirty rags. I am too young to know what it feels like to survive. These are the cards life has dealt me and I am not meant to win; however, I easily lose without trying.
It is hard for me to find peace. I am paying for my mother’s reckless actions. I am trapped in a world where the sun has died because I am unable to feel love. I am unable to dream. Sorrow is my aura, and the sadness hugs me. My eyes are closed shut by the barbed wire fence from my eyelashes as they prohibit tears from falling.
I am damaged.
I believe I am capable of being loved. Am I? I believe so. Mentally I am in a cage and hunted by being traumatized. If or when someone adopts me, will I run them away?
When will the morning come? Did the sun put up a fight last night, like I do every single day? If I can survive the day, I know the sun isn’t dead. One day, I will awake to a glorious sunrise.
Until then, I hope my brother keeps blowing his pinwheel, and I will keep making wishes with every dandelion I come across. For now, all I know is that everything was taken from me, and the only thing I own is my name.
The Stars Choose Our Lovers
I was 5 years old when I met Mia. I knew I loved her from the day I met her. We did everything together, and we were inseparable. People judged us. All eyes were on us because she is black and I am white. We didn't mind because we were each other's light during the darkness of their stares. I never understood why it is so easy for people to hate, as opposed to love. Kindness is contagious, and we all should pass it along. I fell in love with Mia. Her flaws were perfect in my eyes, and I knew she would always be my Mia. I love her just as much as the bees love honey. I love her so much to the point her love is the only unconditional love I ever knew. Sad, but dreadfully true, when I look in Mia's eyes, I wonder, does she feel the same way about me. Am I her light? Does she accept my flaws, and are they perfect in her eyes? Am I the sun to her desert? Am I her rainbow after a rainy day? I hope she loves me just as much as I love her. My biggest concern is—after all the years we've been best friends, will our parents accept us? I'm scared. I'm afraid that if I tell Mia how I feel, I will lose everything we have built. I keep asking myself, should I express my feelings, or should I keep them to myself? I deserve to be loved, right? I will never know unless I take a chance. Will I have the courage, or will I let my true love slip away? I've always believed that the stars choose our lovers. I wonder did the stars choose Mia for me?
Dying on The Inside and Suffocating on The Outside
People often say that silence is golden. In certain cases, it is. But when someone is suffering from an eating disorder, silence can lead them down a dark and isolated path. A young woman named Skylar has found herself on this path. As she strives to find her guiding light, she is weighed down by worry and self-doubt. She reaches out to her mother for help, but her mother refuses and misery takes Skylar’s hand instead. She finds herself losing her sense of direction in life, her last shred of happiness, her soul. But hope is not lost. Skylar seeks treatment and is rewarded with newfound family and friends. They are the first crucial step to her long recovery and fill her with the determination she needs to reach her full potential. With newfound confidence, Skylar digs deep to find her true purpose in life.
In Love With Blindfolds On
I gave the best of myself to someone who didn’t have anything to lose. I didn’t know how to avoid my lover’s toxic and abusive flames. My lover’s twisted words were like a maze inside of my head that I couldn’t escape. Sadly, my lover’s actions hypnotized my thoughts and paralyzed my thinking. I learned the hard way that love isn’t leaning in for a kiss, and a fist meets you halfway. Love isn’t being a punching bag because someone decided they wanted to beat on you today. Love isn’t saying I love you just because someone wants to keep you to themselves. Love is not a curse filled with darkness and controlled by fear. Love is not being afraid to walk into the unknown, not knowing if you will be alive the next day. Love isn’t being told you are not worth living, or you are not loved. Love isn’t a manipulator who grins as it thinks it has power over your thoughts and your life. Love is not losing yourself in the process, and when you look at yourself in the mirror, you cannot recognize who you are. Love isn’t the bruises on your face or the scars on your back that you try to cover up. Love doesn’t steal your joy or your soul to get the satisfaction of seeing you vulnerable. Love doesn’t expose your weaknesses for everyone to see.I lost control. I was suffocating and drowning. I questioned myself, Ryder, what did you do to deserve this? Why didn’t you leave when you saw the first red flag?I tried to be there for my lover, but I learned it is impossible to fix the broken pieces when the glass has shattered. There will always be pieces that are not repairable. However, I kept going right back to the person who I needed to walk away from. I was afraid, and I wasn’t brave enough to wake up from this nightmare! I made the choice to suffer when life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Will I find the courage to know my worth and know that I deserve better than the distasteful lies that are whispered in my ears? Will I have the strength to fight my insecurities? Will, I set myself free, or will I let my love be the death of me?
I'm Speaking Up but You're Not Listening 2nd edition
We want to protect our children by any means necessary. Sadly, we cannot be with them every moment of the day. Children should be living a carefree life and always smiling, laughing filled with peace, and harmony; not worrying about the troubles of what tomorrow will bring. Our children should have a wide range of imagination and think about the greatest mysteries that they think of accomplishing; not making sacrifices of giving up their clothes, lunch money, or being robbed of their personality, and striped from their self-esteem.
As parents, guardians, teachers, and higher authorities we are our children’s better days, we are the outcome of their future, we are the pieces of the puzzle that could put their shattered confidence back together. When our children are hopeless we are the light that shines brightly to renew their hope.
We are our children's voices when all else has failed. Bullying shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sadly, bullying is played down in school, some teachers, administrators, and sometimes at home by the parents.
We have to change this continuous cycle. It has gone on too far for way too long. Our children shouldn’t be victims of suicide or have suicidal thoughts, because someone think they have the ability to strip them bit by bit and piece by piece of their birthright of life.
Bullying is a ‘silent killer’ We shouldn’t give anyone the ability to rob our children from happiness. We have the power to change the situation. For those who feel as though bullying is an unknown situation, let’s dare to be different and make the situation known by opening the problem at hand—by speaking up and finding a solution to the problem.
Now is the time to decide to make the change. Now is the time to dissect and look at every angle in the distasteful world of bullying. Now is the time for us to put out best foot forward and take on the responsibility of saving our children from being killed or destroyed from bullying also known as the Silent Killer. Our children shouldn’t be a prisoner from what a bully has cast on them.
The time has come to take action to stop bullying and the time is now.
As parents, guardians, teachers, and higher authorities we are our children’s better days, we are the outcome of their future, we are the pieces of the puzzle that could put their shattered confidence back together. When our children are hopeless we are the light that shines brightly to renew their hope.
We are our children's voices when all else has failed. Bullying shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sadly, bullying is played down in school, some teachers, administrators, and sometimes at home by the parents.
We have to change this continuous cycle. It has gone on too far for way too long. Our children shouldn’t be victims of suicide or have suicidal thoughts, because someone think they have the ability to strip them bit by bit and piece by piece of their birthright of life.
Bullying is a ‘silent killer’ We shouldn’t give anyone the ability to rob our children from happiness. We have the power to change the situation. For those who feel as though bullying is an unknown situation, let’s dare to be different and make the situation known by opening the problem at hand—by speaking up and finding a solution to the problem.
Now is the time to decide to make the change. Now is the time to dissect and look at every angle in the distasteful world of bullying. Now is the time for us to put out best foot forward and take on the responsibility of saving our children from being killed or destroyed from bullying also known as the Silent Killer. Our children shouldn’t be a prisoner from what a bully has cast on them.
The time has come to take action to stop bullying and the time is now.
Teachers Just Don’t Understand Bullying Hurts 2nd Edition
Emmanuel is loving, kind, treat others the way he wants to be treated, and always loves to smile. He enjoys learning, however, going to school is a challenge for him—he is bullied and continuously harassed by one boy who encourages others to join in on the abuse. Despite Emmanuel’s pleas for help and his mother’s complaints, his teachers and higher authorities never do anything about bullying; preferring instead to ignore the dreadful issue. Fortunately, Emmanuel has a very strong family behind him who isn’t afraid to take on the incompetent school discipline system. Emmanuel always does as he is told—he hears over and over again to ‘tell the teacher,’ but what is Emmanuel supposed to do when his concerns fall on deaf ears.
After being bullied for years, Emmanuel has had enough! He ultimately takes control of the situation as he begins to stand up to his bullies himself. He soon realizes the bullies are protected by the teachers and higher authorities as they get away with bullying countless times. Emmanuel doesn’t understand why no one will help him stand up to his pursuers and why he, not the bully suffers consequences when he defends himself.
This book will appeal to both the children who are being bullied and their parents who are dealing with this dreadful problem which the author refers to as the ‘silent killer.’ Because that’s exactly what bullying is.
After being bullied for years, Emmanuel has had enough! He ultimately takes control of the situation as he begins to stand up to his bullies himself. He soon realizes the bullies are protected by the teachers and higher authorities as they get away with bullying countless times. Emmanuel doesn’t understand why no one will help him stand up to his pursuers and why he, not the bully suffers consequences when he defends himself.
This book will appeal to both the children who are being bullied and their parents who are dealing with this dreadful problem which the author refers to as the ‘silent killer.’ Because that’s exactly what bullying is.
Unapologetic For My Flaws and All 2nd edition
As a senior in high school, Breana Anderson has her hands full. Not only does she have her school work for high school and a part-time job but she also takes on extracurricular activities while attending early college.
Breana finds herself in an awkward situation when she is sexually assaulted by her professor. She knows that this will have a huge impact on her life but is astounded when many other students come forward and make the same claim.
Her boyfriend, Brian, is very controlling, and Breana isn't sure how to deal with him. Fortunately, she has a wonderful support group to help and guide her through her challenges – her parents, her best friend Chloe, little sister Summer, and big brother Luke.
Her love life is a mess but she knows what she has to do…
Breana finds herself in an awkward situation when she is sexually assaulted by her professor. She knows that this will have a huge impact on her life but is astounded when many other students come forward and make the same claim.
Her boyfriend, Brian, is very controlling, and Breana isn't sure how to deal with him. Fortunately, she has a wonderful support group to help and guide her through her challenges – her parents, her best friend Chloe, little sister Summer, and big brother Luke.
Her love life is a mess but she knows what she has to do…
Dear Fathers of the Fatherless Children
The choices we make in life can make or break us. However, some people make choices out of selfish reasons; not knowing their actions at the present time will have repercussions in the future. We are told not to worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow is not promised. That could be very well true. However, what if tomorrow promised; how would you reexamine yesterday? What would you do differently today? How would you prepare for tomorrow?
We are told to live for today, however, the question is—how many people live for “today?” If you are living for “today” at the end of the day, could you say you took care of all of your responsibilities? Each day has a purpose; each day creates a memory, and each day should be precious.
Ask yourself—did you put your best foot forward? Or did you point fingers at everyone else instead of focusing on what you need to improve? The important question is: at the end of each day, are you satisfied with the decisions you’ve made?
Dear Fathers of the Fatherless Children:
Do you know your sons and daughters are AMAZING? They are full of life and they are truly a blessing. Your sons and daughters need you in their lives. Fathers of the fatherless children, your sons and daughters crave your presence and your support. They want you in their lives more than you will ever know.
Fathers of the fatherless children, open your eyes and know your presence is very critical. Be your son’s hero and let him know he can conquer the world. Be your daughter's first knight in shining armor. Be a part of your son’s and daughter’s success instead of their pain.
We are told to live for today, however, the question is—how many people live for “today?” If you are living for “today” at the end of the day, could you say you took care of all of your responsibilities? Each day has a purpose; each day creates a memory, and each day should be precious.
Ask yourself—did you put your best foot forward? Or did you point fingers at everyone else instead of focusing on what you need to improve? The important question is: at the end of each day, are you satisfied with the decisions you’ve made?
Dear Fathers of the Fatherless Children:
Do you know your sons and daughters are AMAZING? They are full of life and they are truly a blessing. Your sons and daughters need you in their lives. Fathers of the fatherless children, your sons and daughters crave your presence and your support. They want you in their lives more than you will ever know.
Fathers of the fatherless children, open your eyes and know your presence is very critical. Be your son’s hero and let him know he can conquer the world. Be your daughter's first knight in shining armor. Be a part of your son’s and daughter’s success instead of their pain.
A Woman's Love Is Never Good Enough 2nd edition
A Woman makes so many sacrifices on a daily basis for her spouse, her children, family, and friends, which often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. A woman’s love and kindness are often perceived as weakness. She is discriminated against in the workplace because of her gender. Not only does she face discrimination from the opposite sex, but she often encounters females’ co-workers who do not support her and are jealous of her achievements.
This book will resonate with women who feel that despite everything they do and the love they give they are unappreciated, unfairly judged, and taken for granted at every turn.
A woman works long and hard for everyone else, whether it’s for her family or at her job, yet she often neglects to give herself the same consideration. She needs to rid herself of the toxic relationships that are bringing her down and enjoy the relief that it brings. A woman needs to be a warrior for herself, and realize that no matter how much she tries to please, and care about other people, her love alone is never good enough.
This book will resonate with women who feel that despite everything they do and the love they give they are unappreciated, unfairly judged, and taken for granted at every turn.
A woman works long and hard for everyone else, whether it’s for her family or at her job, yet she often neglects to give herself the same consideration. She needs to rid herself of the toxic relationships that are bringing her down and enjoy the relief that it brings. A woman needs to be a warrior for herself, and realize that no matter how much she tries to please, and care about other people, her love alone is never good enough.
No Cross No Crown Trust God Through the Battle 2nd Edition
“Why do we suffer? Should God prevent our trials, tribulations, and storms? Most people want God to deliver them from trouble. But that’s not what happens. He allows us to be troubled. He allows us to be tried, go through storms and face tribulations. He allows us to suffer because He is with us and knows we will come through alright.
“Charlena has an awesome way of helping us understand that if we want a “crown” we must carry our “crosses.” No Cross, No Crown. The things that earn us our crowns are the crosses we bear, even in the heat of the day. What strengthens us to carry our crosses is the knowledge that one day we will exchange them for our crowns.
“Charlena’s writings help to refocus readers on the spiritual gifts that come from bearing your burdens with the promise of the gifts that come as a result of carrying heavy loads. Charlena has the ability to translate her real-life experiences for others and provide a methodology that takes one from a cross to a crown.”
Kenneth Alexander, Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, GA
“Charlena has an awesome way of helping us understand that if we want a “crown” we must carry our “crosses.” No Cross, No Crown. The things that earn us our crowns are the crosses we bear, even in the heat of the day. What strengthens us to carry our crosses is the knowledge that one day we will exchange them for our crowns.
“Charlena’s writings help to refocus readers on the spiritual gifts that come from bearing your burdens with the promise of the gifts that come as a result of carrying heavy loads. Charlena has the ability to translate her real-life experiences for others and provide a methodology that takes one from a cross to a crown.”
Kenneth Alexander, Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, GA
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