DEBORA LEE CHATMAN-WASHINGTON

I was born, Debora Lee Ricks - second child out of six children, I was 7 years old, when my mother abandoned us.

I was raised in a very dysfunctional environment by my alcoholic father.  My  eyes where forced open to a world beyond my years.

I knew that children had a voice. They deserved to be heard and, “not just seen.” My siblings and I  had to fend for ourselves and help raise an infant sister, in our mother’s absence.

I was 15 and 9 months pregnant  when I found my mother I was very happy to have her back in my life. She would sometimes watch my daughter while I was in school.

Six weeks after reuniting with my mother I was notified by school officials to go home.   My beautiful mother was found dead  in her apartment.

At 16,  I discovered a solace through journaling my thought,  inspired by the Motown Sound especially, Smokey Robinson's voice and writing style. I found peace.

At 17, I found myself in the education system, trying to help give back to young people all those things that I so desired as a child—love, hope, and a chance for success.