To conclude this Black History Month, I’m going to share some black history about my family not mentioned in American history textbooks: The Carrier Family. In January 1923, the African-American community of Rosewood, Florida was destroyed during a racially motivated massacre, killing approximately 27-105 black individuals. Why? A white woman falsified an alleged assault committed by a black male. This consequently led to a search for alleged suspects Jesse Hunter along with accomplices Aaron Carrier and Sam Carter. Carrier was incarcerated and questioned while Carter was lynched. The white mob suspected Carrier’s cousin, Sylvester of harboring Jesse Hunter. On January 4, 1923, a group of 20-30 white men approached the Carrier home and shot the family dog. When Sylvester’s mother Sarah came to the porch to confront the mob, they shot and killed her. Sylvester killed two men and wounded four others before he too was killed. The next day the white mob burned the Carrier home before joining with a group of 200 men from surrounding towns and they began a violent rampage burning homes and murdering residents. An official report claims six blacks and two whites were killed. Other accounts suggest a larger total as great as 105 people. Many of the black residents of Rosewood who fled into the swamps were evacuated by local train conductors. Other black residents of Rosewood fled to Gainesville and to northern cities. Rosewood became deserted. The only reason I am alive today is because my ancestor Idella Carrier was not in Rosewood when the incident occurred. The initial report of the Rosewood incident, claimed there was insufficient evidence for prosecution. No one was charged with any of the Rosewood murders. What makes this tragedy significant is that the victims would later receive reparations in the form of compensation and college education from the state of Florida. In 1994, the Florida Legislature passed the Rosewood Bill which entitled the nine survivors to $150,000 dollars each in compensation. A Rosewood Family Scholarship is granted to all descendants of those affected in which I am proud to receive. #BlackHistoryMatters #BlackHistoryMonth #NeverForget
So excited to finally share this!
I’ve been chosen to join an incredible group of speakers for TEDX Overtown this year. Such an honor sharing my speech alongside an amazing group of thought leaders and change makers!
Thank you to the @tedxovertown team for the opportunity. This town resonates with me dearly, being a historically black town known for its commerce and rich heritage similar to my Rosewood ancestry.
We’ve been on the ground practicing, refining, and staying inspired by the unique perspectives each speaker is bringing to this year’s theme.
Blessed with the opportunity to share my ideas and unique perspective with the Overtown community and contribute to the larger conversation of what moving forward truly entails!
#blackstoriesmatter #tedxovertown #publicspeaking
When @sistagirl57 hits you to perform a monologue at her Black History Showcase at the National Center for Human and Civil Rights, you answer! Thankful to share this piece with the audience and celebrate Black History with so many other talented artists. I hope I did @barackobama justice! 🙌🏾
Still on a high from the opening of the Rosewood Historic Park. As a Carrier family descendant, being on that land felt so scared. It’s hard to put into words what it means to stand in a place tied to so much loss, and still see our people gathered there with purpose, love, and resilience. 🫶🏾
#neverforget #blackhistorymatters📚
Just the beginning of something much bigger than this story in particular. The preservation of Black history should always be prioritized and taught so these stories are never lost, erased, or forgotten! 🤲🏾
God is good
Rosewood Historic Park 2026
#rosewood #neverforget
The Rosewood Historic Park officially opened to the public on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking a historic and emotional milestone in the preservation of Black history and the legacy of the Rosewood community. The dedication ceremony brought together descendants of Rosewood families, community leaders, historians, and supporters from across Florida and beyond to honor the lives lost and the resilience carried forward since the 1923 Rosewood Massacre.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Florida historian Dr. Marvin Dunn in partnership with the Miami Center for Racial Justice, and centered on remembrance, truth, and intergenerational healing. The park now stands as a permanent site dedicated to education, reflection, and unity for present and future generations.
During Sunday’s public opening, guests attended the formal dedication ceremony at noon, followed by a community luncheon held at the Rosewood Historic Park. The park was open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., welcoming visitors to engage with the site, reflect on the history, and honor the victims of racial violence whose stories were long silenced.
The Rosewood Historic Park now serves as a permanent reminder of what was taken, what endured, and what must never be forgotten. Through continued preservation efforts, educational programming, and descendant-led storytelling, the park stands as a testament to truth and resilience.
Had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Jane Fonda and GCAPP #EmPowerParty in Atlanta. So great connecting with the trailblazers and changemakers in Atlanta!
Thanks to @artdeptpr for the invitation 🙌🏾🔥
A time was definitely had at our Beltline Think Tank & Content Run this past Saturday! 🙌🏾✨
Creatives and small business owners joined us to share insights about their businesses, dive into roadblocks they’re facing, and connect with like-minded individuals who can support them through the journey. 🤝🏾💡
Big thank you to @atmforcreatives@thearchive.atl@glaciersiceatl@infusedicy_boyz and @goodasburgers for sponsoring and sharing your great menus items with our creatives 🍧🍔📸
Stay tuned for next one is coming this October 4th 👀🔥
#yackshackmedia #atlanta #community
Come get some free portraits taken by yours truly tomorrow at the West End Beltline! 🙌🏾📸
Our Think Tank and Creator Run is gonna be 🔥
Tap in Atlanta to an event dedicated to the advancement of creative and small business owners!
Check out the link in my bio to RSVP. See you there 😎
