Laylah Amatullah Barrayn: The more I venture into adulthood; the more I'm paying attention and learning who I am. The things I am discovering are fascinating. I love the freedom that I realize is my birthright, I don't think many people are aware of their freedom. We subscribe to what is popular as opposed to our natural inclinations at the expense of our authentic and happiness. The process of growing is hard, at times, but it is a beautiful struggle, as they say.
I grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a small neighborhood, known for its notorious hardness and crime. So, some of the first lessons on negotiation and communication unfortunately involved violence as a means. But living with that helps you to understand that there are other options and those other options you come to appreciate in earnest. I went to NYC public schools all my life. I graduated from Martin Luther King, Jr. High school near Lincoln Center, the "famed" LaGuardia High School, the Alvin Ailey dance studios, there in high school is where I experienced so much of the performing arts, but not photography.
Both my mother and father were quiet and temperamental people. They were minimalists and took pleasure in "the simpler things of life," such as family, music, art and food. My mother used to like to bake when I was a child. As you move outward, my surrounding family is where you get more texture and animation in the personalities.
This was such a dope read from Liberator Magazine and writer Kameelah R. make sure you check that here.
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