From my family to yours…
I have been so privileged to share messages from two Moms for Millicent in recent weeks. The truth is moms have been a huge reason behind my campaign for Durham: Where families matter. As promised, I want to tell you about the two mothers I have known since the beginning. Two women that inspire me, comfort me, and always have my back. Those women, of course, are my mother and my twin sister.
These two motivate me, they are my listening ear when DPS robocalls too many times in a week, they are two of the many moms that step in when principals, teachers, bus drivers and even children need additional support. They are a constant reminder to me that we are all human and we need to see the good in people. These two have been with me from the beginning.
My mom, Judy, showed me the importance of women taking their place and leaving an impact. My mom moved from Washington, DC to Durham to follow her dreams. She fell in love, married and gave birth to twin daughters. She is honest and modest about the impact that she has on everyone around her, from teaching Sunday School to sharing the seven last words–she demonstrates that she knows where her help comes from. I don’t always agree with her, but she taught me to put Him before all things. My mom modeled that Luke 1:45 is true. “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
She has taught me to lead with grace. I am proud to have her in my corner, I am glad that even in adulthood she still supports my endeavors, she steps in when I call on her. She remains a powerful voice in my life years after she is done raising me. I look forward to using the tools of grace, persistence, and passion that she has instilled in me to develop consensus on the best policies and practices to serve every DPS family.
My beautiful sister, Reathie, we are a direct reflection of each other. She has been an amazing support in my life, walking with me through things she experienced ahead of me. Each time I look at her I see the pride she carries as a woman and in motherhood, how strong she has to be raising a Black son in Durham and how that impacts the choices she makes.
Just like every family in Durham she is expecting DPS to make sure her son has a safe learning experience at school, when DPS doesn’t meet her expectations we sit and figure out how to best navigate those shortcomings.
For these women, I am grateful. with these moms behind me, I will stay grounded in what matters. These women have blessed me with the tools that I need to serve each of you in Durham: Where all families matter.
This is us and this is love and this is where I’m home.” — Emile Sande