Veteran

Roderick Dunston Funeral Donations

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Thank you Philly in the DMV (Shannon R. Ingram, Emily Brooklyn Williams, Jason Osborne, Roy Davis, Frances Evans Craig, Nah Low, and Tee Cutts); Michelle Benée and the Philly NMDN Tribe; my Ace King Nate Scott; Kenna Williams and the Nomadness Tribe; Redesign U Family (Nikki Robinson); Good Vibes/Vibes Family (Kita Hall and Xtina Penny), Aruba Family (Howard L Davis, Darnell Mingle Garvin and Yvette Sthubert); Team Grogan (David Jeffery Grogan); My Air Force Family (Molly Wilson and Andi Raya); my OES Family (Denise Wright Brinson); my Cousin Robin Walker and all friends/family for your generous donations to Roderick Dunston’s family during this difficult time. Words can’t express how much you mean to me and how truly grateful I am that you have given so compassionately. I love all of you and I am grateful to have your love and support. ❤️🖤❤️

The money is being collected by Linda Price, who is Jordan Dunston’s biological aunt. Jordan is Roderick’s youngest son. Roderick lived with their family for over 10 years, in Maryland. His Son’s Mother Tracie and her family were instrumental in helping Roderick with his stroke recovery and rebuilding his life after the stroke. They peacefully coparented and he was extremely close to her family. He often spoke of spending holiday’s with her family when he was unable to travel home to North Carolina.

Linda created the page to help her sister, her nephew, and Roderick’s Family who are grieving, pay for funeral services for Roderick because he did not have any life insurance. Your generous donations will be used for the following: transporting the body, embalming, grooming the body, hair cut and trim, new clothing and undergarments, rental of casket, use of funeral home for the viewing and service, printing of programs, flowers, rental of facility for repast, food for repast, cleaning of apartment, and thank you notes.

Roderick was an amazing person that gave tirelessly to others. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the GoFundMe campaign. I’m sure he is smiling down and quietly thanking you for your generosity. Thank you for blessing his family.

May Roderick Rest in Heaven.

Love,

Ebony

https://www.gofundme.com/roderick-dunston-funeral-services

Story of Survival and Healing from Rape and Domestic Violence

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I survived a brutal rape by a serial rapist at 15-years-old. My rapist, told the bystanders that it was a ‘domestic issue.’ I pleaded with them to help me yet they all watched me get raped. The rape was a defining moment in my life.

I enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) at 18-years-old. While overseas in the USAF, I eloped and married. My husband eventually became abusive. I filed for divorce from him after a year of separation.

Later in life, I found myself in another abusive relationship. I fought through the disappointment when the courts failed to hold my abusive boyfriend accountable. He continuously violated the protective order and stalked me at my place of employment and my home.

Through all of the trials that I faced, my faith never wavered. I separated from the USAF with an Honorable Discharge. I founded The Next Chapter, Corporation, a 501c3 non-profit, dedicated to empowering victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I launched my second business, Success Creators to provide coaching for individuals and business development. Once I opened that door to healing and wellness, the doors opened for me to follow my passion and to help others.

#BossLadyMovesContest #Ford

God’s Child – How I Survived Trauma and Turned Tragedy into Truimph

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A poster from a social media group recently asked, “on a scale of 1-7 what are your beliefs according to the Dawkins Scale?” I thought initially, “why is this today’s discussion?” I’m definitely a 1, I believe strongly in God and know without Him I am nothing. I’ve survived so much trauma in life: CHILD ABUSE, RAPE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, and WAR. It’s because of God’s grace that I survived and turned Tragedy into Triumph!

There have been multiple times when I questioned God and asked why He would allow so much hurt in my life? After I was raped at the tender age of 15, I turned away from God for the first time. I’ve learned without God as my center, my life spirals out of control. Sure I could have chose to hate God and hate those who hurt me. Instead, I chose love. One day at my lowest point I literally dropped to my knees and prayed. I asked God to use me as his vessel to help others heal.

Once I FINALLY started living my life God’s way I’ve been abundantly blessed. I started my non-profit “The Next Chapter,” to provide much needed resources to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. I recently co-authored a book with my Veteran Sisters titled “Camouflaged Sisters Presents Behind the Ranks Vol I,” to share our stories. I joined my Veteran Sisters who are “Own Our Way Up,” and “Brown Girls Syndicate” in two Mastermind Groups to push our businesses, professional and personal lives forward. Finally, I launched two of my newest ventures “Simply Ebony” my lifestyle blog and “Success Creators” to help others discover their pathway to success. Everything that I have accomplished in life is because of God’s Grace.

Sincerely,

Simply Ebony