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In the heart of New York City, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, the incredible journey of the Lawrence siblings is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. Six sisters, once homeless, are now on a remarkable journey to fulfill their dreams of becoming nurses, and their story is nothing short of inspiring.

The Lawrence Siblings’ Journey: Overcoming Homelessness and Hardship

Back in 2013, the Lawrence family faced a devastating turn of events when they lost their home in Queens, New York City. David and Yonette Lawrence, the parents of the six sisters, found themselves confronted with the harsh reality of homelessness. Their family’s life took a dramatic turn as they moved from one relative or friend’s house to another, seeking shelter and stability, as they later shared with People magazine.

“It was challenging,” recalls 24-year-old Lauren. “There were a lot of very bumpy, depressing times.” The struggle to find a place to call home was a constant battle, and it took a toll on the family.

Educational Pursuit : From GEDs to Bachelor’s Degrees

Two years into this gruelling ordeal, their father, David, made a courageous decision. He refused to let their circumstances hinder the education and dreams of his daughters. The Lawrence sisters, who had been grappling with disrupted schooling due to their ever-changing living situation, enrolled in a homeschool program. Their goal? To earn their GEDs and ensure their education remained on track.

“He didn’t want what we were going through to hold us back,” explained 25-year-old Dominique. This decision marked a turning point in their lives, as they embarked on a path filled with challenges but brimming with determination and hope.

Unyielding Faith : The Driving Force Behind Their Success

The Lawrence sisters defied the odds and shattered the barriers in their way. In 2019, all six of them successfully earned their GEDs. Their journey continued as they enrolled in Nassau Community College and, later, proudly graduated from SUNY Old Westbury with bachelor’s degrees in public health in May.

“It’s been quite an adventure,” shared 22-year-old Danielle. “But what really pulled us through is our faith in God and in each other.” Their unwavering support for one another, coupled with their unshakable faith, carried them through even the darkest of times.

Future Prospects: Master’s Program in Public Health and Beyond

Today, these extraordinary siblings, aged 19 to 25, declare that this is just the beginning of their remarkable journey. In August, they embarked on a master’s program in public health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Their eyes are set on the future, as they plan to attend nursing school to further their education and expertise.

Father’s Pride : A Proud Parent’s Perspective

Their father, David Lawrence, couldn’t be prouder of his daughters, who have defied adversity to chase their dreams and emerge stronger than ever. “I’m so happy that they’ve done this together,” he said, beaming with pride. “I always tell them, ‘Life’s not fair. And when it throws you a curveball, you’ve got to adjust to it and keep going.'”

An Inspiring Story of Triumph

The Lawrence sisters’ journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, a strong support system, and unwavering faith, one can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. As they continue to pursue their dreams in the field of healthcare, their story serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating that resilience can lead to incredible achievements.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has said she will not be silenced while advocating for gender equality.

The author said this on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, while receiving an award at the “Equality Now.”

She said: “I was a feminist long before I knew what the word meant. Not because I read books but because I observed the world around me and saw how women were treated. Sometimes it can feel very lonely trying to prove that sexism exists, that we haven’t achieved basic equality for women around the world. Tonight is an oomph that shows me that it truly matters.

She added: “I’m going to remember this night when people tell me to shut up. I’m not going to shut the fuck up!”

 

"I?m not going to shut the f*ck up" Chimamanda says about being an advocate for feminism

 

The international organization, Equality Now honored Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Scarlett Curtis at the annual Make Equality Reality Gala in New York City.

Equality Now Global Executive Director Yasmeen Hassan said at the event: “Changing laws and mindsets is only possible through persistent activism. Our honorees tonight, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Scarlett Curtis, use the written word to do just that.”

Curtis is the author of the bestseller Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies, and is a vocal activist across feminist issues from period poverty to female genital mutilation (FGM).

 

"I?m not going to shut the f*ck up" Chimamanda says about being an advocate for feminism

 

Singer-songwriter Rhonda Ross, daughter of singer and producer Diana Ross, presented Adichie with her Equality Now award. Ross invited a group of guests to welcome Adichie on stage by reading an excerpt from her book We Should All Be Feminists.

"I?m not going to shut the f*ck up" Chimamanda says about being an advocate for feminism

 

In her speech, Adichie also said storytelling has an important role to play in achieving equality.

“We really need to start thinking about ways to make women’s stories familiar to men. Men need to read more women’s stories.”

 

"I?m not going to shut the f*ck up" Chimamanda says about being an advocate for feminism

Credit: LIB

Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie attended the 2018 Action Against Hunger Gala at 583 Park Avenue on October 30, 2018, in New York City.

At the event, she was honored with the Humanitarian Award, presented by CEO of the organization, Andrea Tamburini.

Every year, hundreds of Action Against Hunger’s most dedicated supporters come together for an evening of inspiration and hope and 2018 was no different.

The special night is an opportunity to reflect upon Action Against Hunger’s mission to save the lives of children worldwide and to present their most prestigious award, The Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award, to individuals and corporations that have significant contributions to the humanitarian field.

See photos from the event below.

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Chimamanda Adichie attends the 2018 Action Against Hunger Gala at 583 Park Avenue on October 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Chimamanda Adichie speaks at the 2018 Action Against Hunger Gala at 583 Park Avenue on October 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Chimamanda Adichie speaks at the 2018 Action Against Hunger Gala at 583 Park Avenue on October 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Chimamanda Adichie and Andrea Tamburini attend the 2018 Action Against Hunger Gala at 583 Park Avenue on October 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Photo Credit: Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

 

Credit: Bella Naija