Stevona Elem-Rogers

Womanist Writer & Educator・@Stevie_Elem

I was a middle schooler with a fresh-pressed French roll and a bell sleeve, crushed velvet blouse when I first connected with you, Mary. I had a crush on a smooth brown-skinned nigga from my church and the only way I could flirt (sans the Lord’s house) was if I lured him to the Black folks skating rink. My plan for mama to drop me off to “hang with my girls” worked and there he was showing alla his teeth in the dark. We fumbled with our skates like the awkward ass pubescent peas in a pod we were. I stood up wobbling and he grabbed my elbow and that’s when I heard your voice, “Time on my hand since you been away boy…” I smiled. That was my shit! And your tone. How comforting. How soul-bearing. How sensual. All of my baby girl nerves flew and I felt somethin’ like a woman. You know? We skated hand in hand and a universe bloomed inside. I must have subconsciously let the hook catch a hold of me though because I def busted my ass! Ha! But I’ll never forget that tender moment of grownness; in retrospect it wasn’t even about him, it was all you. I would choose your voice to define most of my pivotal moments. You have been there for three graduations, the death of my beloved partner, re-falling in and out of love, and countless jam sessions in my living room loving on my damn self. It was your voice that our sister Breonna Taylor noted she desired for her first dance as Kenneth’s wife. It was your voice that reigned as our first Black woman vice president worked her victory walk and addressed our country in a year we all needed a bit more of your sweet spirit. Who would we be without you? Our blueprint, our shining Black womanhood tenfold, and ten toes. I wish you all the beautiful things you’ve given us. I thank you for the complexity, rawness, and honesty on the record and off. Your 50th is indeed our everything. Happiest of birthday’s to you our Queen. I hope you hit yo dance!

Stevona Elem-Rogers

Love Letters