From Thread Lake to Black Lotus
For me, like so many other families, moving to different parts of the United States meant beginning life all over again. I was born in Metcalfe, Mississippi in 1965, then our journey took us to Florida, then Chicago, and eventually Flint, Michigan. That’s where my real story began.
I started school on the Southside of Flint at Stewart Elementary. After classes, I often watched Martial Arts practice, it fascinated me. To my surprise, some of the students even knew my mother. Still, she wouldn’t put me in the class. A couple of run-ins with Tae Kwon Do students from Kim’s Karate in Downtown Flint only fueled my desire. I remember when they pulled back the curtains so everyone passing by could see them in action. I’d stand there, staring, pleading with my mom: “Please, momma, sign me up.”
Life at Lakeshore Apartments gave me other lessons too. Thread Lake was right outside our complex, and we were always told, “Don’t go down by that water.” But kids don’t
always listen. One day, my classmate Clarence and I were down by the lake throwing big dirt clumps into the water. By accident, one of mine struck the back of his head. I froze in shock as Clarence cried out, holding his head. Then he glared at me and said, “I’m going to get you!”—and I knew he meant it. Clarence was taking Tae Kwon Do. I bolted up that hillside like lightning, not daring to stick around.
always listen. One day, my classmate Clarence and I were down by the lake throwing big dirt clumps into the water. By accident, one of mine struck the back of his head. I froze in shock as Clarence cried out, holding his head. Then he glared at me and said, “I’m going to get you!”—and I knew he meant it. Clarence was taking Tae Kwon Do. I bolted up that hillside like lightning, not daring to stick around.