Coming HOME: Walking in my Own Shoes
“This artifact here is a picture of my great-grandparents on my paternal side. They owned the Harden Cafe, a cherished African American business in Lake Village, Arkansas, operating from the early 1950s.”
In our fifth portrait of the “Coming HOME: ReStorying U.S.” digital series, we are honored to embark on an inspiring journey alongside the esteemed community leader, Kaia Morrison, hailing from the vibrant South Side of Chicago. Kaia shares her remarkable family legacy and the transformative journey of embracing a new identity, forged amidst challenges and profound self-reflection.
Kaia’s poignant reflection on her great-grandparents’ entrepreneurial spirit and resilience encapsulates the profound sense of pride and determination inherited from her family’s rich history, serving as a guiding beacon of inspiration as she navigates her path.
What lessons or values did they leave behind?
“I think the biggest thing that I carry forth from this picture is just the success that I come from, knowing that there’s no limit that’s too high for me to reach.”
The enduring legacy of her great-grandparents’ achievements serves as a constant reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, motivating Kaia to embrace every opportunity with determination and resilience.
What have you learned since the pandemic?
“A lot of lessons were learned during the pandemic. One of the things that I took away the most was making sure that I allow my feelings to be shown, and allowing that to not make me, but allowing me to show people that you can be strong and vulnerable.”
Kaia’s profound realization of the importance of authenticity and emotional expression underscores the transformative power of vulnerability and genuine self-representation, highlighting the essential nature of emotional openness in fostering authentic connections and leadership.
What is your artifact of healing?
“These are my basketball shoes. I made the hard decision of choosing my major over basketball, leaving a significant part of myself behind. It was the end of 2019, and I was faced with redefining who I am without the court defining my identity.
And, you know, between grief and reflection, and just kind of leaving a part of myself. It forced me to sit down and think about okay, ‘who is she without the shoes, who is she?’
It was a lot of prayers, a lot of talking to God, it was a lot of writing, poetry, self-reflection, and I’m still working on it. It’s not done. I’m still writing my own personal story.”
Kaia’s courageous journey of self-discovery, catalyzed by the challenging decision to prioritize her academic pursuits, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative nature of self-reinvention amidst moments of grief, reflection, and personal growth.
What artifact represents your rebirth as a person?
As the nation approaches its historic 250th anniversary in 2026, we embark on a profound digital storytelling journey — “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” Our mission is clear: to help people heal through remembrance. We’re dedicated to capturing 250 heartfelt stories by 250, documenting the vibrant tapestry of America’s past, present, and future. In this remarkable project, we celebrate the power of stories. Each narrative is a thread woven into the fabric of our shared history, reminding us of our resilience, our diversity, and our unity. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of heritage, healing, and hope. Join us on this transformative journey as we pave the road to America’s 250th anniversary, one story at a time. Follow us @conversationsbycourage on Instagram and TikTok.For information about Coming HOME: Restorying U.S., please contact Conversations By Courage.🌠🏡✨ #ComingHOMEseries #HealingThroughRemembrance #America250 #HeritageStories #HopefulFuture #DigitalStorytelling
Team Credits:
Featured Curator: Kaia Morrison
Michelle Kamau, M.A, Co-Creator, Photographer
David Brose, Co-Creator, Videographer
Victiashea (Tasha) Matthews Co-Creator, Facilitator