Veterans Day Recap

Grand Awakening to my Royal family! This year Veterans Day was Friday 11/11/22. What a remarkable day! Its the alignment for me. Although I must acknowledge the recent passing of Takeoff from the Hip Hop group Migos. He was laid to rest in Atlanta that day and a part of me felt bad that I couldn’t be there. However I said a prayer for him and his family, friends and fans all over the world. I was one of them. I had the pleasure to meet the Migos right before I left for Basic Military Training. I will never forget that night. I wasn’t even 21 yet. The group had invited me and my friend to go out with them for the night. Unfortunately we weren’t able to go due to unexpected circumstances that occurred with the group. After that night, I became more of a fan of the group but Takeoff was my favorite member. He was the calmest and most laid back. I was sadden by the news of his death. It took me by surprise. I grew up in Gwinnett and the Migos were our Heroes who made it from our hometown. All of those thoughts were running through my head that Friday. I still got ready to go out to see Black Panther. I just wanted to mention how my heart and mind were both in two different places. Sometimes life forces you to change. That’s what I’m going through right now. I just moved to Los Angeles and it hasn’t been super easy. In fact, I would like to admit that this was the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. When I arrived, I knew I was exactly where I should be but I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I left everything back in Atlanta just to pursue the unknown. I had no option but to trust God in where he would lead me next. When my apartment burned down, I was fortunate enough to have people support me through that. A man named Russell who has been following me since I was teenager created a go fund me for what happened. That experience changed my life forever. I was so grateful for Russel creating that for me because it helped. There was something that kept telling me that I can’t stay in Atlanta anymore no matter how hard it was for me to accept. After the fire I came to Los Angeles but then I went back to Atlanta. I have to acknowledge how much I love my hometown but its time for me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Once I officially moved out, Russell sent me a link to a Travel Group that was hosting an event in Los Angeles for the Black Panther 2 Wakanda Forever premiere. I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to network and meet new people that I can relate with. When I arrived to the event, I was overwhelmed with gratitude instantly. Everyone looked amazing! The food was good. The drinks were great and we all had a great time amongst each other. It was the togetherness I was searching for but didn’t know if I could find. I met so many beautiful black women who carried themselves like Royalty. I felt like we were one big Royal Family. The fact that it was Veterans Day was just an icing on the cake. When we left to go see the Black Panther movie, we watched it together in the theater. The movie made me extremely emotional for a few reasons. Chadwick Boseman was honored in the film and the storyline itself. The fact that the woman had to be the superhero was touching. There were several parts that resonated with me. I won’t share too many details because I don’t want to ruin the movie. However I will say that it inspired me and motivated me beyond words. It showed me that sometimes you have to be brave and be the superhero to your community. When there’s no one else to go to but you, that’s when you know its time not to let fear stand in the way. I saw myself in a lot of those characters. Being an African American girl who also served for this country, there have been many times that I’ve felt defeated but I realize now the importance of my sacrifice. There’s a greater purpose behind my decision. When I joined the Air Force, I was fully committed to protecting the people the best I could. As a result, I was attacked, betrayed, silenced, and ridiculed. It made me question why I even decided to serve in the first place. All of my doubts changed after watching that movie. I realize my dedication to serve and protect these citizens is what makes me a warrior. This was my first Veterans Day that I celebrated off of my contract. However I did meet several other military women who made me reconsider joining. I can’t say for sure if I would go back and serve but I will say that I felt honored this weekend.

WAKANDA FOREVER

Rest In Peace Takeoff- Kirsnick Khari Ball and Black Panther- Chadwick Boseman

Special Shoutout and Thank you to Top Shelf Getaways for an amazing Wakanda Weekend

Love Always,

Malon Mahotiere