Personal Narrative: Liberia

Tenacious. In 1989 Liberia, West Africa was faced with the economic stress of a civil war. In 1989, my parents were faced with leaving three children in that war. My mother had recently given birth to her fourth child in America, and returned to Liberia. When the war broke out the US Embassy would only let her bring my sister, the American citizen, back to the states. My parents were fearful, but determined. They refused to give up on their children. They made sure each one was protected by other family members. All three of them survived the war.

Powerful. By 1996 my mother had six children to take care of. Two boys in college in West Africa, and four other children in the states. She worked three jobs, while my father only had one. She housed the homeless, and earned enough to feed 11 mouths. Oretha Zeon was so unstoppable! Not only did she work over 12 hours each day, but she also played the role of the traditional African housewife. Our home was always spotless, and

My brother, Nahto, and I have a very strong relationship. Although, we are over 14 years apart, and have never met, he is my other half. At the age of 12, I began to contemplate my future and career path. I assumed I had to be a Doctor, because it was what my parents expected me to be. Nahto told me otherwise. He and my other siblings have always been over achievers. Their job titles range from a District Attorney to a Businessman, but I never saw the business world as my path. I have had an enticing passion for African fabrics and Fashion since I was very young. When I explain this love to my brother he proclaimed “You will be the greatest African Fashion Designer this world has ever seen! I will never be able to have the educational opportunities that you will receive; take advantage of it and be the best you can be!” Although Nahto and I have never physically met, the love he has for me allows me to believe in impossible things. His love gives me the strength to follow my