Dear Dixie,
In my life I have always had difficulty finding a female role model that was tangible. A woman who existed in my time and space, a woman who was not in the stories or the pages of history. The moment I met you in Allendale, South Carolina I was in awe. At eighty five years old feminine strength was evident. Within the last decade, I have had the privilege of sitting with you to absorb your wisdom. I have also received your unwavering support. I have learned about your life, how you overcame so many obstacles, how you voiced and advocated for what even today at ninety-five you believed. You continue to advocate for youth. You see the youth of today as assets. You showed me how to be confident and strong. You should me how to stand for what I believe. You showed me the importance of community and the power of networking. When others would tell me my plans and ideas were too big, you mentored me to help make them happen. You modeled for me how to be a mother and balance work, community, and teaching. You helped me overcome my own struggles with feeling comfortable in academia when growing up in a holler in the mountains. Miss. Dixie you have and continue to help me be a better person. I hope that everyone gets the opportunity in their lives to discover a tangible hero and role model like you are to me.
I love you Miss Dixie.
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