Once An Orphan

Aziza was just 8 years old when she remembers being touched by her biological father for the first time. By age 16, she was carrying their first of five children and he got on one knee, asking her to be his wife. Homeschooled with little to no interaction to what normal life was, she didn't have much to compare this behavior to. Our generation appreciated music by The Fugee's, not knowing the video director behind the infamous, Kiling Me Softly, was softly killing the innocence of his daughter.

​ @GenieJoniqua is a child advocate and author. In her book titled, What Does the Mirror Show Me? Brown Girl World, she talks about her young life of being exposed to sex by her parent and being sexually abused by her brother. Now an advocate for young girls who are being victimized, she found her voice in becoming theirs. On Instagram, she's @joniquathegenie, showing what it looks like to put your boots to the ground and fearlessly fight to protect young girls who are now living the life that caused her trauma. This is her story and her fight.

Host of @theadoptionjourneypodcast and co-founder of The Black Adoptees Meetup, Tarcia Smith sat down to share her own adoption journey with me. Tarcia started talking about her story as a "ted talk", thinking she would share her story and be done. What she thought and what God wanted were two different things. Not knowing what this would become, she's spoken with adoptees from ALL OVER THE WORLD, leading her to connect with Dr. Kathy Garland. The two of them would start a movement. As an adoptee, we dig and investigate until we can't anymore and in her own work, she discovered parts of her story, that were true and different from what she was told from her biological mother. HA! So often, we believe our adoptive families are the ones who tell lies and keep secrets, but....the truth prevails. Subscribe to @theadoptionjourneypodcast to see and hear so many stories of adoption and find out how many ways we connect.

He was young and poor growing up in Jim Crow south. A 13 year old Walter Curtis Miller had eyes for clothes and nice things he just couldn’t afford. When his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise the kids on her own, the only thing that mattered were their necessities. Young Walter wanted more and knew he could get it. Even though getting it meant stealing from time to time, he put his plan into action. What he didn’t know was that his new career wouldn’t last long before he was caught and incarcerated. With his criminal life starting at 13 years old, it finally caught up to him by the time he was a 19 and prison became his home. From a few small thefts, pick pocketing to grand larceny, steel bars became his front door. He was doing his time until he couldn’t take it anymore and figured out a plan that would make him a fugitive of the law. Escaping from a crew work assignment, Walter ran through the woods, got to the Greyhound bus station and headed to New York. On the ride, his new identity became Bobby Love. Bobby Love made New York home. He made an honest living, met and married his beautiful bride, and started a family with four children. Life was good for the first 38 years in New York but what happened next? On a cold January morning, NYPD and the FBI came looking for Walter Curtis Miller. Completely shocked, Mrs. Love had NO clue of the life her husband left behind.

Outside of her reunion, the continuation doesn't get much better. Alicia continues to heal, learn, grow and teach. What's she's learned as an adoptee AND an adoptive mother will help all adoptive parents in the process. For starters, let's not rewrite the narrative of who the child came from and what they should know.

A wife, a mother, a grandmother, a Michigan native, an entrepreneur and above all, a God-fearing woman, Alicia Williams has done it all. From serving as a board member of the National Association of Adoptees and Parents, Alicia works diligently to support and advocate for this community. As an LDA (Late Discovery Adoptee), she has learned the importance of being vocal and advocating for such an overlooked community. As an adoptive parent herself, she later learned some "do's and don't" of adoption. So much of her views came later after she realized her husband knew about her adoption before she did herself, but when gifted with a DNA test for Christmas to do more research of the family tree, you learned your tree is not at all connected to the tree you've always known about. This could only mean one thing-your DNA test results are wrong because, for sure, if you were adopted, you'd know before the age of 53.

Josh Santiago, founder of Empowering Cuts, was a troubled teen himself. In and out of jail from 12-24 years old, he was released with a changed mindset of "doing something right for the first time in my life." After earning his license to barber, he began to initially serve the Philadelphia homeless community, by providing free haircuts to homeless men. From this, he attracted the attention and has since traveled the country, serving the homeless community all over.Josh founded the non-profit organization, Empowering Cuts, to help change lives one cut at a time. While his work became popular by serving "family" in need, he also helped his own mother get clean after a nearly 40 year addiction. Now, almost a year clean, she's able to do things for the first time with her children and those who love her most.

Patrice Hudson is an adoptee hoping to find truth. Adopted at a young age, she, like most adoptees had questions and sought after learning who she really was and who she came from. Afraid that her adoptive parents didn't want her to ever learn the truth, she remained silent until she decided to speak out loud and document her adoption story. Adopted with a biological brother, she had some DNA connection, but she lost him. With that, she almost lost hope and herself, but the journey isn't over. For herself, brother, niece and nephew, she is moving forward with her journey of resilience.

For fun, Janeen Jackson decided to take a DNA test with her brothers at 46 years old. However, what was initially thought to be fun, turned out to be a devastating discovery, as she found that she was no match to her brothers. So, this test must be a scam for people to get money. Believing to have the resemblance of her grandmother, the thought of adoption never crossed her mind. Not only did she learn she was adopted at 46 years old, she also learned she was mixed race. A white Jewish father and a Black mother was something that never walked through her thoughts. She missed out on her culture, roots and family and lived in a lie for the first 46 years of her life. But why? Was it too hard to be honest with the sweet baby? The hurt she processed turned into a children's novel titled, Hello, Sweet Baby. A motivational speaker, author, pianist, blogger and so much more, Janeen began to learn all of what makes her who she is today. She learned where her talent and creativity came from. She found her biological parents through DNA testing. She found siblings. She got the story and learned so much about why she was placed, fostered and adopted. To purchase her book, you can visit her blog or website. This is a personal story, written about her personal experience in finding out she was adopted later in life. www.janeenjackson.com www.mixedupdiary.com [email protected]

Kimberly Ann held in so much beginning at a very early age. She was introduced to her mother, who was born with down symdrome, but didn't know why her grandmother was raising her. When she later learned she was a product of r*pe, she was filled with emotions, wondering who her biological father was and how he could do something like this to such a vulnerable human being. Filled with hurt, she had to navigate life not knowing. Through tears AND laughter, she became her mother's voice and at 37 years old, continues to put in the work to find truth. Someone knows what happened in Palm Beach, Florida 38 years ago. On TikTok, she's @hustleherdigital or Kimmy's World. She's telling her own story, in her own way.

She was more than a drug user. From her very beginning, God had ordained this moment for Natasha to speak of His goodness. On the morning of April 16, 2021, Natasha LaTour was homeless. Having very little to maintain in her personal life, she found herself shot 10 times by accused serial killer, Wesley Brownlee and praying to God she wouldn't die. The alledged gunman is believed to have already murdered 5 people prior, when in the wee hours of that morning, gave reason for Natasha to believe she'll be victim number 6. She was bleeding out and on the verge of taking her last breath, when she spoke to God and asked him to save her. Ignorant to God's work, she felt the presence of her grand mother's and recalled their prayers for her. In that moment, she knew to call of the name of Jesus. Now sober, Natasha is screaming from the rooftop what she survived and how she did it. It was nobody but Jesus! No one can tell your story like you. As Natasha tells her story, it's impossible for her to do it without speaking of the goodness of our Lord and Savior. Facebook: Natasha LaTour TikTok: Natasha LaTour #crime #murder #beliver #christ #survival #addictionawareness #addictionrecovery #jesuschrist #jesussaves #jesusislord #attemptedmurder #documentary

Kimmie always knew she was adopted, but it was later in life when she learned that her biological mother was just a 13 year old girl and biological father was in his 50's? Do we still call it that R word or is the truth also forbidden?

In 1972, a young lady had given birth to her second daughter. Raised by her single father at the time, she was told she couldn't bring another baby into the home. That baby was given up for adoption. It's 53 years later and that baby decides to go on the road of discovery and find her truth. After putting in the work, Tracy discovered more about her biological family, including BOTH parents. However, her birthing person remains in denial, not accepting the fact that SHE birth a child that she'd given up. Though, this baby had a good adoption experience, she now lives in the second rejection by the very person who abandoned her.

Terrance Brown was shot and killed while sitting inside of a vehicle causing no harm to anyone. David Carter was shot and killed in his home, causing no harm to anyone. Both men, loved by their families, senselessly killed and there's been NO justice. So, I say if Black lives don't matter to Black people, let's stop marching until we get it together. #BLM #blacklivesmatters #blacklivesmatter #unsolvedmurder #unsolvedmurders

Terry always knew he was adopted. An enjoyable experience, he still wanted and deserved to know his biological family. Growing up with good parents afforded him the opportunity to have the life he may not have had, otherwise. Thankful for the decision of his biological mother, he understood her rationale and was even more blessed at their reconnection. Sharing his story, Terry believes adopted children should know they're adopted.

As we know, not every victim made it. Most were beaten, raped, murdered and eaten; however, prior to being caught on the night of July 22, 1991, Tracy Edwards was able to escape and the nation learned the name, Jeffrey Dahmer. Admitting to murdering 11 men, Dahmer's stint in the military also gave him the opportunity to victimize other men. Mr. Billy Joe Capshaw was one of them and here, he tells his story.

Known for being one of the worst serial killers of all time, Jeffrey Dahmer was satanic. He drugged, raped, murdered, dismembered and consumed his victims. Admitting to eating the heart of one of his victims, Jeffrey was a true demon. Serving time in the military, Preston K. Davis, became one of his victims and shares his story of surviving Jeffrey Dahmer.

Sabrina was born to a Black woman and a White Man, but immediately placed for adoption. Her White adoptive mother made it easy for her to not have a "good" experience. Abused and neglected, she found herself being bounced around from state to state and from one troubled teen home to another. From being called a "Nigger" to Suzie Q", she felt no love or safe space in the home where she was raised.

On January 10, 2013, Kendrick "KJ" Johnson attended school like any other normal day. His father, Kenneth Johnson, said when he didn't hear from his son after school, he knew something was wrong. But when he didn't hear from him by midnight, he knew his son was dead. Initially, the county concluded that this was an accidental death. However, after the family conducted a private autopsy citing blunt force trauma, body wounds, deleted camera footage from the school, the parents knew that theory was a cover up in the muder of their 17-year old son. But who would want to harm this Honor Roll athlete and why? Questions remain unanswered, and the family continues to fight for justice. Kenneth Johnson, shares why he believes they're covering up the murder of his son.

Stephanieanne is a TESTIMONY! From a young girl, she had an attraction for other girls. Growing up in the UK, to Jamaican-born parents, she knew her homosexual lifestyle wasn't a thing they would ever accept. However, the lustful feelings continued to arouse, and she believed life as a man would be the only fitting lifestyle for herself. She had comfort in sleeping with women and the thought to transition her body would only make sense. What Stephanie didn't know, however, was that while she was transitioning her body, God was transitioning her soul and what you see is not only the faces of a woman, believing she could live as a man, but a DISCIPLE, A BELIEVER, and a warrior on the battlefield for our Lord.

Ta'Za Simone was a normal child, growing up in a home with her mother and older sister. So, how did she end up pregnant and giving birth to her mother's boyfriend's child at 12 years old?

Known for her Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise, the only and only Jane Elliott sat for a conversation with me. The anti-racism activist has been committed to changing the theory of race by skin color for several decades. An educator who believes there's only one race, she stands completely against people being recognized as "Black" and "White." There's only one race-the human race.

In his very early years, @boujeeboy95 was just a "normal" kid. After his parents split, he was shared between two homes. At the young age of 7, his older cousin by 10/11 years introduced him to sex through homosexuality. He was raped. He was traumatized. After a number of times, he became what he was a victim of. Can this really happen in the Arab community and Muslim faith? Well, of course! But with that, he was disowned by his father and for a short time, his relationship with his mother was estranged. But let him tell it.

On Instagram, he's unleavened_bread1 and he faced a hard life being bounced around in foster care. From one home to the next and center to center, he found it hard to make friends and fit in. While his mother dealt with addiction, the state gave his father a difficult time to gain custody. Naturally, this would cause a child to feel alone. A year out of high school, Triston felt like life was no longer worth living and with a 12 gauge shotgun, attempted to take his own life.

Ms. Melanie was just a toddler when she was molested by her grandfather. Unaware of what he was doing, her 5 year old mind couldn't fathom why he would want to kill her, but he wasn't! Not understanding how she was being used for his orgasm, she felt like her life was ending.

Born Tiera Rice, at two weeks old, @Tiera-Marie was sold for $10,000 and an 8 ball; her name was changed to Candice Flores. Truth didn't come until she was 15 years old, when she learned her "parents" weren't her parents and her biological mother was in jail for murder. As the result of her aunt's heavy drug addiction, she was commodity and became the exchange.

Most times we hear about domestic abuse, it's assumed that the woman is victim. Pastor Michael Neely from the New Millennium Community Church of Tampa, Florida discusses why he was abused, how it started, why he stayed.

Toni made the very tough decision to pull her son off of life support after the doctors informed he would only live in a vegetative state after suffering the abuse of his own father. Witnessing the events that led to Mikkah's death was his 12-year old brother, who saw the 13-month old's father swinging the toddler by his neck. Yes, justice was served, as he will now serve life without parole, plus 110 years, but what about the family? How did they go on? Toni shares how this devastating event led to how she became close to her other two children,

Imagine wanting to have a good time and deciding to try pills for fun. Now, you're addicted to those pills, heroin, crack, cocaine and fentanyl. If that's not bad enough, your criminal life, involving prostitution, sends you straight to jail, but only AFTER your fiance calls you in. Getting booked, you find out, "You're pregnant" and your life changes, but for better or worse? Sarah tells her story.

What's the real story behind Alexis Miranda Badger going missing? From the @Netflix documentary, Cathy Terkanian shares how she put her blood, sweat and tears into proving that her only daughter was murdered by her adoptive male figure. A rapist and predator, Dennis Bowman had a history of sexually assaulting little girls, even as young as 6 years old. Lying for years, Dennis literally got away with murder, that is until, Mrs. Terkanian felt her daughter's spirit and couldn't let up.

The state of Michigan placed Corey with a white family who adopted him. If that wasn't traumatic enough, they then removed Corey from the home, saying he should be with a Black family, and the Quinn's sued the state to regain custody while he went from home to home. At this point in his life, he says why it's necessary to completely detach himself from the Irish Catholic people he's always called "family." What do we know about trauma?

You may know him as Andre Farnell, but Andre Van Lun, has unbelievably defied all odds. Placed in foster care at 18 months with his new born brother, he has survived the worst of times. With the help of therapy, mentorships, conferences and several workshops, Mr. Van Lun put himself through an entire hollistic healing.He shares with me his foster care experience and how life could have left him as a memory today, opposed to the positive figure and motivational speaker he has become. Listen to this amazing story and why Andre says we should focus on better, the name of his most recent publication.

Koko, @theblackadoptea and I spoke about her adoption story. She found her biological mother who wanted nothing to do with her, still leaving her with a million questions. Is it really too much to ask when you just want to know? But can we truly understand when the conception was the result of a sexual assault as a teenager? Koko open shares her story, which is how we heal each time we speak about it.

Young and looking for acceptance led Genesis Asiatic to a life of crime. After 23 years in society, he tells his story in his own words of why and how he chose this life and served a 23 year prison sentence. This is his story in his words.

At the tender age of 15, like most teens, Teela faced some challenging social issues, which caused her to have panic attacks. Not uncommon, right? Well, after a visit to the doctor, she was given a subscription for Xanax, and life began to spiral out of control. Meet Teela, The Sober Entreprenuer.

Ms. Gabriela Hernandez survived a case of "I never saw it coming." We can also call it a case of "Who The Bleep Did I Marry? @investigationdiscoveryTelling her story shows how courageous and resilient she is. She didn't fall from the first hit, but it took more than 10 and she's still here. She loved him, forgave him, and leveled with him over and over. After beating her with a bat, he still wasn't done. There's no way you can listen to this story from anyone else other than the victim herself.You can watch this video on YouTube at Once An Orphan.

Author, Tammy Leavy, is a survivor. He wasn't her stepfather, but indeed, a monster and the man her mother married. Molested and raped in "every hole" of her body, she felt suicidal but found the strength to fight back physically and still has the scars to prove it.After her mother suffered a work related injury, he knew he could take full advantage of every moment with Tammy because his wife was suffering from her own trauma.

This former fostered youth/adoptee got dealt cards from a hand no one could play. She, in fact, had to play, but how did she do it? How did she overcome one traumatic event after another? In her self written memoir titled, Everyone Will Know It Was God, Sana explains what led to these events and how she would overcome. It started at age 4, when she was being sex trafficked by her mother and grandmother

Imagine the man who replaced your father, assumed to be the one protecting you, also being the one who "groomed" you. He groomed his stepdaughter into becoming comfortable being molested, sodomized and raped. Stories like this...

TikTok's Jae Honey shares the story of how her life changed forever in April of 2020. When the entire globe was trying to survive Covid, her 18 year-old daughter was murdered execution style by someone she thought was a friend. The loss of this family member had a major impact. Jae, along with two of her other children, attempted suicide, unable to deal with the pain.In her book, Six Minutes of Freedom, she talks about the preparation she was making to take matters into her own hands, but the prayers of her mother stopped her in her tracks. So, what happened? The justice system failed, releasing the alleged gunman and her son decided that wasn't enough. To help JaCorren serve his sentence, financial donations can be made via cashapp $jaehone or Venmo: Johnetta-Doss.Goods can be made to:DOCIDJaCorren RileyEastern Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center2727 Highway KBonne Terre, MO 63628

This was the thing we didn't know we needed. Black and adopted? This community gathering meant so much to us.

Miss Eugenia Doreen Wallace speaks on life growing up in poverty to early high school graduation and early college admission. Being removed from her family and placed in foster care, she didn't allow her circumstances to make her another statistic. She overcame all odds and serves as a foster youth advocate, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, AND Miss Black Missouri, USA. Follow her on Instagram to see how you can get involved. Hear the voices of adoptees.