ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I want to thank God. I thank you for allowing me to obtain my dreams, and for all your blessings. I thank you for loving me regardless of anything. I am so grateful for all that you do in my life.
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I want to start by thanking Dafina Books for helping me make a dream come true. Karen Thomas and Nicole Bruce, thanks for all the patience through my annoying and stressful journey. Barbara Bennett, thanks for all the advice and inspiration with my law school journey. You have been an angel to me through all of this.
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I must thank Frank Iemmiti for believing in me and my possibilities from the very start. Although I was still a college kid, you stuck with me, and gave me opportunities and allowed me to learn and grow hands on. I have so much to be thankful to you for. You're still one of the best people I've ever worked for or with, and I love you for all that you've done. Andrew Mosko, you too were there from the start, when these ladies were just a thoughtâsmile. Thanks for your skills that helped bring the story to life, which helped it be what it is today.
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I also want to thank my radio family. Envy, the People's choice, my real buddy, I love ya, and I wish you nothing but blessings. Ebro, for being my big brother in the business. Tracy Cloherty, thanks for being my friend and a mentor. Barry “Big” Mayo, John Dimick, Angie Mar, the Voice of New York, I respect you for being such a strong talented female. Enuff, thanks for always supporting me. Kay Slayâholding you down always. Shaila, thanks for never doubting me. Miss Info, thanks “little bit.” Fatman Scoop, love ya with your ignorant self. Funkmaster Flex, the Franchise, you're a big reason why I'm still in this game. Bugsy, all those hours of advice is more appreciated than you know. Mister Cee, Absolut, since Forest Hills '97. Jazzy, Dennis, Kulture, Bobby Konders, Jabba, Cocoa, La La, thanks Girl. Clueâ“Queens run this, ask Russell Simmons.” Mega, Ciphaâdon't get me gassed. Raqiyah, Ralph McDaniels, Jonesy, Tay, Rod, Camilo, Julie Gustines, Kesha Monk, Lenny Green, keeping the ladies of the tri-state feeling sexy. Michael Baisden, thanks for the advice. Toya Beasley, you're an inspiration for black females, keep me in your prayers. Alex Cameron, a fellow author and marketing guru, thanks. Tricia Clarke, I can't thank you enough, many blessings to you and your fiancé. Ruben, the Bronx, Donyshia Benjamin, Patricia Robinsonâa real Scorpio diva at her best. Nikki Smith, you know what it is, and thanks for everything. Gwynet Cowan and Randi Hatchelâmy girls; and everyone else at Emmis ... thanks for everything and I love you.
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I want to thank Alicia McFarlane and Lisa Grant, my friends and classmates. I don't know what I would do without you sometimes. We're going to get through this law school thing ladiesâand well. Some people God put in your life for a reason, and I know you two are two of those people.
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Ebony, thanks for being there all those years. “We got it going on ...” Tenille, happy to know there are still some “good girls” left, smile. Nelcida, you have a blessed inside and out. My girls Suky, Sister, Rene, and Munchkin, our ladies nights out are the highlights of my post college years. You were the inspiration and strength for this book. The power of friendship is amazing. When we just can't take it anymore, any spot in the city that can handle six loud emotional women is all we need, because we already have each other. “Miami here we come.”
Speedy Claxton, I love you, too, and thanks for everything, especially all the spontaneous nights out when I needed them mostâjust never forgetâCerebellum.
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“Mommy” Meggett, thanks for the advice and input, and all the love you have showed me from day one.
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Ahmad, saying thank you isn't enough. You already know that I love you and appreciate you for everything that you do. When I had to stay on my computer for days at a time, you made sure I had food and water ... and Pina Coladas (smile). When times got rough you made them easy. When I was feeling overwhelmed you reminded me I could do it. You are truly my joy. I am blessed to have you in my life. There isn't a thing that I wouldn't do for you, and I know you are here for me as you always have been. “This is like something from a fairy tale.”â“I'm in this for the long haul.” Edwyn, I love you with all my heart. B.F.F.
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Last but surely not least, thanks to my family for tolerating me. Mommy for holding me down, and setting an example for me of what a black woman should be. Tasha for being my other half and a shoulder that I can always count on. I couldn't love you enough TT, and thanks for the creative jumps when I was fried; JR for allowing me to grow up knowing I was safe from harm, and always being there. Dad for allowing me to know what to expect from a real man, I love you, Pop. No matter how old I get, I'll always be daddy's little girl. To my entire 100+ Morris/Young familyâthanks for the support. I love you all.