“I decided to go to my homeboy’s rooftop party in the Short North. It was the day of the “Red White and Boom” celebration, but I don’t celebrate Independence Day, because Black folk were still enslaved after 1776. - Any who, I walked in as fireworks start shooting off. About 7 or 8 girls turned their head and start staring at a brotha. One of them was courageous enough to walk over to me. She got close and whispered in my ear, “you the finest brotha I’ve seen in about 6 1/2 years.” I said, “is that right? How about you give me your number, and I’ll think about calling you some time.” I eventually gave her a call when I was bored one day, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

Throughout 8 years she has inspired me to be stronger, more considerate, and more grateful for the present. I honestly knew very early on that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. It took years for me to defeat my own insecurities and take the steps towards making that happen. I thank God that she was so thirsty that night on the rooftop.”

“July 3rd 2011. Practically my birthday. Yep - I’m pretty sure it was my birthday party that all my friends wanted to celebrate over a month early on the rooftop of my friend Deej’s apartment. It was crazy, it was like 400 people there.. for me.

I was in the middle of blowing my candles out and this light fella with a full head of hair blew out my last candle! Then handed me his phone and whispered in my ear, “your elbows are ashy.”

I knew right then and there that he was the one. It’s crazy because in the last 8 years I have experienced some of the biggest adversities that life can throw at you, yet because of Le, I have also been the most happiest and secure self that I’ve ever been. ”