Today, July 3, we’re throwing confetti and cheering for my phenomenal daughter, Alanna, who’s turning 20 and dazzling the world with her brilliance. I can still picture that Sunday morning in 2005 when I first held her, her tiny thumb in her mouth, letting out a soft coo that seemed to tell the universe, “I’m here, and I’m extraordinary.” That moment was just the beginning of a journey filled with her unstoppable Black girl magic, and today, I’m thrilled to share why Alanna is a star worth celebrating.
Alanna is a force—artistic, whip-smart, and radiating a creative energy that’s impossible to ignore. Her drawings are pure magic, transforming blank pages into vivid stories and emotions with a pencil that seems to channel her soul. She’s not just talented; she’s a college student killing it with a 3.8 GPA, earning her spot on the Dean’s List through sheer grit and brilliance. Balancing her studies with her art, she’s proving that she’s got the mind and heart to conquer anything. Her Black girl magic is a vibrant glow, and the world is just starting to catch up to her radiance.
She’s also rewritten what it means to be her dad. I thought fatherhood was about guiding her, but Alanna’s taught me it’s about learning from her, laughing with her, and marveling at her growth. One story always makes me smile: as a kid, I loved drawing until I swapped my pencils for a basketball, chasing a new passion. Alanna started with basketball too, playing for two seasons before boldly declaring, “I’m done.” When I asked what she wanted to do next, she said, “Photography.” I got her a disposable camera, thinking it was a phase—then I saw her drawings. They were breathtaking, picking up where I left off but soaring far beyond anything I ever created. That’s Alanna: she takes a spark and turns it into a masterpiece.
At 20, she’s my partner in secret handshakes, sharp-witted sarcasm, and conversations that swing from silly to soulful in seconds. Her caring nature shines through in how she lifts others up, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. She’s not perfect—no one is, but she’s the best version of herself, and that’s everything. Whether she’s acing her college courses, sketching a new piece, working her job, or just being her authentic self, Alanna brings light to every corner of the world…and is a wonderful human being. I love her more than words can express.
Happy 20th birthday, Alanna! You’re a Dean’s List scholar, an artistic powerhouse, and a spark of Black girl magic that’s only beginning to blaze. I’m so proud to be your dad, and I can’t wait to see how you keep shining…on campus, on the page, and everywhere else. The world’s better because you’re in it. Keep soaring, babygirl.
Love,
Dad
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