ABOUT MOOKIE THE MAGNIFICENT

Growing up, I witnessed and experienced racism first hand. I lived in a small town (I say it is a village) in Alaska where my family was the only Black family. My father was the chief of police there, but that was not protection from a town full of racists. It was not only challenging, but it taught me many lessons that I still value to this day. I found inspiration in the words of Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and so many more as an adolescent. Those influences moved me to pursue a life that would not only uplift my family, but create real change in our communities.

‘Mookie the Magnificent’ started out as a social media page to encourage Black Women. I wanted to create a safe space for women that look like me to live their best lives and celebrate ‘us.’ But, it became so much more than that. One day, just to get engagement up and have some fun, I asked, “Black folks, what’s one question you would like to ask white people?' I wanted to know how we could all engage in a conversation that would break down myths in our relationship and open up a chance for us to work and understand each other better. It was meant to be fun, an experiment.

The post exploded, more than I ever expected. White people came in droves and answered Black people's questions. My first thought was, “They’re colonizing my page!” But it became a brilliant conversation. Some of the threads were heartfelt, serious, and from spaces of pain, others were hilarious, cultural jokes and oddities between our Black and white communities. The post became my vision for educating people and working together to make lasting change.

I'm a mother of three amazing daughters. I have nieces, nephews, one of my nephews is deaf. I want the world to be better for them. There is a lot of work to do and I am committed to doing my part by facilitating a place for open, honest discussions as well as providing education about Black history and social justice.

I’ve written a children’s book, I have another in the works and believe in education. Whether it is formal or informal, one should never stop seeking knowledge.

Feel free to check out more of my writing on my blog or support my recommended causes, Black owned businesses and find out how to take direct action in your community.