CORE 2 MODELMS. MULLEN

“STILL I RISE”

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

‘Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

THE BRAVERY TO WALK WITH CONFIDENCE

But my mom’s legs were beautiful. She used to catch me starring at her nylon silken legs. And I knew that her feet had painted toenails, and they were adorned in heels. She would walk around with a sound to announce her presence and her power. When I tried on her heels, they didn’t have the same effect. My clicking along the wooden floors sounded like flat notes and horse hooves combined. I could not wait to be an adult, someone who could drive cars, make decisions, and go wherever they wanted. I wanted to stride as confidently as she did and now I do.

THE CONNECTION

• Both of these women inspire me to be brave and to walk with confidence even when I’m the only one with confidence in myself. My mother and Maya suffered from different wounds, but they both rose above others’ beliefs that they would fall and crumble. Even as a little girl, I knew my mom’s high heels and dress clothes were her armor. My mom and I are both still working toward the immense courage of Maya.