Behind Every Bold Woman Is a Story You Would Not Have Survive

The Ovation Wasn't Free—Here's What It Cost Me

Desiree is pictured in her graduation regalia with a red-lip, light makeup, a short black fro with a grad cap on top.

I bled for this brilliance.

I choked for this change.

I starved for this standing ovation.

I wept as a witness.

I held my breath to uphold hope.

I was broken to shine bright.

I crawled to keep going.

I endured to escape the prison of my own mak…