6 minute read
NIKITA LEGRONE
"I had to remind myself so now I’ m telling you during this season that" .
Photo by Wolf Photography
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1.THERE IS SACRIFICE IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 2.THERE IS ISOLATION IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 3.THERE IS PAIN IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 4.THERE IS REJECTION IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 5.THERE IS REMOVAL IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 6.THERE IS LONELINESS IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1.THERE WILL BE PEACE, LOVE, AND JOY IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 2.THERE WILL BE CLARITY IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT
3.THERE WILL BE PURPOSE YOUR ASSIGNMENT 4.THERE WILL BE REPLENISHMENT IN YOURBut IN
ASSIGNMENT 5.THERE WILL BE ELEVATION IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT 6.THERE WILL BE VICTORY IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT
N I K I T A L E G R O N E
#GodsGirl #TheHoodsGirl
#GodsGirl #TheHoodsGirl Is a visionary who has set out to encourage, engage, equip, transform, and inspire those who find themselves trying to navigate through trials, tribulations, and traumas of life in a safe, healthy, and productive way. Coining herself as #GodsGirl #TheHoodsGirl Nikita came up with this name at the point in her life when she was learning to embrace all of who she was as an individual with having shame, fear, or embarrassment be attached to it. Nikita helps individuals give birth to an intentional and obtainable plan for a positive and product future.
In 2016 Nikita hosted her first Women’s brunch entitled I Was Built for This and now more than five years later she has hosted over 10 different events. She currently host quarterly brunches for women entitled Because Black Girls Brunch. It’s a time when women can come together unwind, relax, and get some much needed “ me time” . She didn’t just stop at the encouragement of women, Nikita also believes that more honest uncomfortable conversations about life needed to take place within the black community and from that she created a semiannual event called Cocktails and Conversations; a time and place where adults can come mingle, eat, and unwind, but most importantly engage in open conversation about some of the stigma’s we face within the black families and how to change it?
In 2018 Nikita Nicole created the Push, Pray and Proceed Method gives individual the tools they need to navigate through situations. From this method she wrote her first book entitled The Push, Pray Proceed. She also created the The BeIntentional Method. Both which have allowed her to not only flourish, while protecting her peace; but acknowledge, destroy, and rebuild her moral, spiritual, and mental foundation for a better life.
In 2021 Nikita followed up the success of her first book with a bestselling novel Toxic: Who is Savanah James. “When I leave this place I want it to read, ‘Her Pain Activated Her Push Which Ignited Her To Intentionally Proceed To Her Purpose’” -Nikita Nicole
One of the most profound and echoed quotes in part says, " ...as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. "
As a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate (in Philosophy) for disability and community advocacy and academic Christian Education Leadership seminary degree, my life mission is partly filling in the gap in one of the areas where representation matters the most and is often overlooked: Disability Inclusion.
It's common to see the neighborhood market display a sign out front, signifying a specific parking place for individuals who may be disabled and require closer parking. Or maybe you've seen an employment application where a set of questions inquire about a need to accommodate an applicant further. For decades, the inclusion of disabled individuals has been limited to accommodating environments to allow individuals with disabilities to simply be present. Being present is not enough. It is imperative to go beyond being present, which I why I dedicated my mission to go beyond lobbying for others with disabilities to being in the room. I want people living with visible and invisible disabilities to have the ability to thrive. And the most effective way to see a positive evolution is to see yourself in the movement's leaders.
My life is an example of grace, and as a believer in Christ, I give Him full credit for defying the odds and beating the challenges I have encountered. In the process of my liberation, I want to liberate others.
I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1 diagnosis as an adult. In addition to becoming wheelchair dependent,
"I want to do more than holding the door open; I want to take it off the hinges. " .
I became enlightened, learned quite a few things about myself, and gained clarity about life and my mother. It is here where I found myself at a crossroads of apparent strength and hidden weakness.
The diagnosis was life-altering, but it could not shake my core. I consider it a catalyst in my life to my mission to serve.
It contributed to my co-founding Your Invisible Disability Group (YIDG). It is here where I assist others living with a visible or invisible disability (sometimes both) by communicating the unseen difficulties they may face daily in their working environments but declining to mention them.
I help facilitate the connection between CEOS and corporate representatives to educate how accommodations for a disabled individual extend far beyond a wheelchair ramp. It goes beyond a modified restroom. Medical visits can be upward of 11 within a month, whereas some individuals may see a doctor no more than 11 times in a year and, for some, a lifetime.
The truth is no amount of compliments can change the adaptation myself and others have to make every single day. We aren't seeking sympathy, just understanding.
From the outside, many may think I "manage so well, " but in reality, my management is a conglomerate of support from my immediate family - my husband and kids.
There's no victory in waiting around for an opportunity to find you. Instead, go confidently and aggressively after your dreams, whether work or social goals.
My life may have changed in multiple ways post-diagnosis. Still, my athletic desire kept its pace, as did many other interests and goals, including being crowned the first African American Ms. Wheelchair USA. These moments help me bond with other women within the disabled community, encouraging empowerment, growth, and education for those who may not understand.
My focus is to continue knocking down barriers, leaning on my faith - my legacy- while embracing Disability Pride and amplifying the messages of individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities through my words, actions, and faith.
"The journey has not been the sweetest but has always been a blessing. And for this reason, I share my testimony and educate others, encouraging them to discover their confident life" .
SHARING WHO SHE IS GAME CHANGEHer
MEET FELICIA APPREY
Felicia Apprey is a first generation-born Ghanaian from the south side of Chicago. At the infant age of just 3 months old, she was sent to Ghana to be raised by her great grandmother while her parents settled in America. At the adolescent age of 10 years old, Felicia moved back to Chicago, IL to live with her parents. Gaining a feel & view of both countries, she has seen the powers and the disadvantages of women of color in business. At an early age, Felicia recognized that something should be done & decided to take action & she decided to be the change she wished to see.
Having graduated from Concordia University & receiving her bachelor’s in communications Felicia can now be found empowering women of color stretching from the United States to her native residence of Ghana.
Her PR boutique, Apprey PR, is a results-driven LLC that offers services primarily to small businesses and organizations that uplift people of color.
