During our time together I ask one question to each Iya and daughter. To the Iya I ask for one piece of advice about navigating the world as a black woman and to the daughter I ask if you could say anything as a thank you to your Iya what would it be. Both of their responses were perfectly telling. 

Jean encouraged Christine to keep God at the focal point of life and to also make sure to keep watch on her circle of influence. They will dictate and shape where you end up, keep that circle filled with people who are wanting the best for life because it will influence you and your future. 

Christine thanked her mother for teaching her that she can be exactly who she is as a Black Woman. That she was taught that no matter what she can be her unique and wonderful self while sidestepping all the expectations, pressures, and assumptions that surround being a Black Woman in this world. Jean describes her daughter as a level-10 woman. Someone that is confident, someone that can and will get things done. She is a Black Woman, period, she never has to pretend to be anything else because that is what she is.  

Thank you so much Christine and Jean for spending time with me, and for sharing so much of your life and heart with all of us. Thank you for being your unique selves and filling the world with awesome examples of blackness and beauty.