I love to perform, although I can literally feel butterflies starting to form in my belly just thinking about it. It makes me so nervous but once I find my groove it’s like I take off. I’ve been performing for as long as I can remember. I remember being a young girl between five and seven years old at my dad’s house parties. I would dance in front of everyone, and they would give me money and clap for my theatrics.
I went on to become a performer in life. I’ve participated in numerous performances like talent shows, plays, dance teams, step teams, high school band, church dance ministry, and now storytelling.
In 2018 just six months after giving birth to my first born, my son Osai Jr., while brushing my teeth I learned that I was pregnant for the second time. Months later during a gender reveal I learned that I was going to be having a baby girl. I was shocked, excited but shocked and then nervous. I didn’t know how to do ponytails. I had such a hard time growing up as a young girl. I didn’t know if I was going to be the best fit as a girl mom.
Then princess Zuri was born. What I’ve learned since having my baby girl is that I figure it out. I learned how to do ponytails, and I’ve done my best to be the best example for her. Zuri is my mini me. We share so many things in common but my favorite, outside of our love for Beyonce, is her love to perform. She loves to dance, sing, cheer, do gymnastics and she has her orange belt in martial arts. My girl loves to perform. I love to watch her. I love to watch the nerves fall off as she gets more comfortable.
Since I’ve started taking our storytelling class, I’ve been sharing more stories with my kids and family. And just like other things that Zuri has seen me do, she is now her own storyteller. Zuri may come up to you now and ask, “hey can I tell you story,” or “would you like to hear a story?” It is the cutest thing and melts my heart every time. What I love most about this is that Zuri will continue to grow as a storyteller and I have someone now to share my stories and our family stories with who will keep them alive. She is our next generation storyteller.
Shakera D. Robinson: Born in Flint, Michigan, I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we have two children. In my downtime, I enjoy DIY projects, coloring, dancing, and spending quality time with my family.
Leave a Reply