This weekend, I had the privilege of receiving an award from the House of Mtenzi who sponsors The Stone Awards. This was their 22nd year hosting the event. Local community leaders and those who have national ties but local roots are honored in a number of categories. The award I received is called the C.U.R.E.S. Eben Shero Award. CURES stands for Colors Uniting Representing Every Stone. I dedicated the award to my Dad & Paternal Grandmother, both of whom raised me, and my children. My grandmother believed in order to be a good leader, you have to be committed to being a good servant. My father used to say it’s hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch. My children have been part of my healing and community process since I made the decision to speak up and out regarding abuse and assault. In order to start addressing the community, I had to start at home and begin to present a sense of awareness and accountability with my own family. I am dedicated to bringing hope, awareness, education and action to issues surrounding domestic violence and its many intersections.