I realize when I read your articles I'm slightly holding my breath in anticipation for what is coming next. As always, reading your perspective and raw honesty is one of the most refreshing experiences I have on this site. I have referred so many of my friends to you who have become so disheartened with simply not being heard and they have come to admire you as I do.

Seeing Marley's name stopped me cold as it always does because she is phenomenal beyond my words. I've tried to write tributes to her but they always seemed to fall short. This one is priceless. She has affected so many of us in different ways and even if her truth is difficult for some, her engaging and "straight-up truth" style is so authentic that even the naysayers can't stay away. She has inspired me to do more, try harder, and be more real with my writing, and you have done that for me, too.

I'm not sure if it is me and another Medium writer that you speak of regarding the disagreement, but I was indeed involved in a very heated back and forth with another writer. We have extremely different opinions and she said things I found offensive just as I've obviously offended her as well. I've engaged with women of differing opinions but because we hadn't approached each other with an "I know everything about you" type of mentality, we were able to work past it. This particular person has drained me emotionally and I respectfully removed myself from the exchange.

That said, I want to thank you from my heart for always being so willing to HEAR US, even if you may not agree with everything we say or if it's difficult. It is never my intent to hurt anyone - it is just imperative for Black women to have a voice to be heard because we and our children are at risk. I desperately wish everyone would understand that just join forces so we could work together. The arguing back and forth does nothing for anyone.

Thank you for being YOU (and sorry this turned into a mini-article!)