As a woman who lost her BEST FRIEND (my Mom) to Alzheimer’s, few things mean more to me than creating lasting memories.

Jai’s stylist Unique, who’s aware of our circumstances, messaged to say “Get our girl here. Don’t worry about payment. We have to make sure she’s ready!”. Her Aunts (my big sisters Gina and Ingrid) sent what they had to contribute to keeping us going and her High School Jumps Coach, Fanoy Walters gifted Jaiya her dress, ticket, nails, and spending money for dinner!

When Danne Smith Mathis realized we had no food in our house, she sent DoorDash shopping! Jaiya laughed that it was as if Danne somehow knew what we buy for ourselves! And the unexpected Venmo gift allowed me to have gas, coffee (thank Goddess!), and the ability to get the last of what my baby needed to have a GREAT Homecoming where she reported, “I never left the dance floor!”. 😂

YES, the weight of what’s happened to us is real, and we are facing housing, school, and eligibility crises as a result of #RobertHalf‘s discriminatory actions.

But know people are willing to step up who aren’t making public displays of support. They are busy in the background making a 17YO kid who deserved NONE OF THIS, smile.

And Jaiya’s mom and BESTIE thank you! For 1 night she didn’t have to worry; she could dance! 🙏🏾♥️

What’s In a Black Girl’s smile? E V E R Y T H I N G!

#RobertHalfInternational #BeBetterEveryDay 👀

#BlackGirlWinning

Author’s note: the only images in BE GRITTY earning the right to be in FULL COLOR are those of Jaiya Devi Daniels, future #LA28 Olympian.