Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself!
Photo by Bloomtique
My name is Farah Lolade Aduke Iyabode Harris. Most people know me as Farah Lawal Harris, a name I love because it identifies some of my intersections. Farah means "joy" in Arabic--My Muslim father and Christian mother gave me that name because I shifted the energy of grief from the losses of a baby before me and my maternal grandmother. Lawal is my maiden name, meaning "the first" or "leader" in Arabic. Lawal is a common last name in Nigeria, the country my parents emigrated to the United States from in the late 1960s. Harris is my husband's last name, now my own; it is an English surname, reflecting the history of the enslaved. I, too, am an American.
I grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland--at the time, it was a neighborhood full of children of immigrants like myself. My parents always reminded me that I was not fully American, but a hybrid of Yoruba and American culture.
Into this world, I carried pride--
never let them see you stumble.
I carried "Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well."
I carried wells of shame from which I fetched water
and carried the heavy buckets on both shoulders.
I carry the ability to endure physical pain as a badge of courage.
I carry confidence--no one can do things like I can.
I carry smiles, laughter,
an involuntary winding of my waist
when drums are involved.
I carry the need to care for others
and the new ability to ask for help.
I carry my ancestors--
though I know so much about the men
and so little about the women.
I carry elegance and the ability to overcome.
I am a graceful overcomer.
I consistently succeed despite many challenges: low self-esteem, violence, depression, being the only Black, career burnout, chronic stress and pain, uterine fibroids, and most recently, breast cancer. Not only do I overcome, but I also inspire hundreds of thousands of others to do the same by sharing my stories and wisdom through writing, producing, coaching, and public speaking.
I am confidently vulnerable.
I have witnessed the power stories possess. Stories have the power to heal and inspire change. Through my work, I share my journey to instigate change and make people feel less alone. The first person my words ever healed is me.
I am a light.
I spread love through raw and cheerful honesty, beauty, and laughter. If I make at least one person smile or feel seen, I see it as a victory!
I am a wise creative.
I do what I love and I love what I do! I teach. I lead. I entertain. I inspire.
