About the Author

Briggette Bardot Stokes born in Washington DC in December 1958 to the parents of Harry Stokes and Helen Scott-Stokes. Born in an era of segregation and the civil rights movement. Out of my parents marriage was born a total of 6 children. Me being their fourth child. Later to be groomed and raised in the small town of Williamston North Carolina, the grass roots of Eastern North Carolina Freedom Movement, and also known as a little Greensboro North Carolina Civil Rights Movement. Witnessing to a mother and other older family becoming members of SCLC  to fight for a future for their children to be treated equal and have the opportunity to be educated and build successful lives just like any other race in the United states of America. Born in a power era were women was igniting social and political feminist changes to empower themselves.

Attended a segregated E.J Hayes Elementary School until desegregation in the 1970’s. Later to graduate from Williamston High School in June of 1977. In those teens years, a Volunteer in the community as a 4- H Leader in the EJ Hayes Community. Pass it on to my sisters Dena Ramsey and Christie Andrews. Attended Back Swamp Church throughout youth and High School years. Singing in the church choir fatefully. Admiring a mother who becomes a single mom and single handedly  kept her children involved in the community, building social skills, advance education, and to elevate ourselves in any level of life that we will face. I was  a contestant in the Miss Elite 20 Pageant in 1973, an organization created by 20 of Williamston NC most beautiful and professional Black women. Leading me to win Miss 20 Elite 1973 Talent  Competition, and Second Place In the Miss Elite title holder. During my high school years becoming a member of “The Dramatics Santana’s Of Williamston NC band as a singer.” Wanting to become the superstar that I desire to be one day, training my voice on sounds of Aretha Franklin, Gladys knight and `many female gospel singers.

Proudly Graduated from Saint Augustine College/University of Raleigh North Carolina in May 1981. Receiving a Bachelor of Art Degree in Elementary Education and Receiving My North Carolina Teacher’s Certification in 1982. Worked in various Early Childhood Day Care Services from 1982 to 1986. Later to complete my education careers including Wake County Public Schools as an Educator. Educations work experiences included Raleigh Parks and Recreations as a Summer Camp On Site Director with 14 years of service. My early years of learning and mastering cooking skills from my late grandmother Martha R. Scott, and my mother led me into additional careers included Coordinator for weddings, party planners and professional entertainment catering. My love for reading lead me to Co-establishing Cocoa Book Club for women in the early 1990’s.

I became one of the CEO’s of our family business “Compassionate Care Mental Health Services” with my siblings. With many years of success in molding the minds of the youth, I Ended my education career by retiring in 2018 with 32 years of experience. After Retirement I became an instrumental Member Of Hope First, LLC Quality Assurance Team. Returning to the working class, and  presently I am an  Independent Contractor for Hope First LLC. Mental Healthy Documentation Specialist.