photo by steed media service

Lela McGee is a mentor, speaker and author of Wakening, the first book in a series of works she’s entitled, The Path. Wakening provides details about McGee’s childhood with an alcoholic parent and her personal journey of faith. It’s also a plea for African Americans to take responsibility for the more needy individuals in the community — children who are neglected, abused or viewed as having little value.

“God raised me from desolate conditions so that my childhood would one day serve as a road map for those who are neglected,” says McGee. “I grew up in the heart of the city, and there were those that said I’d never amount to anything. ... Certainly we were poverty stricken, and unfortunately, my mom was an alcoholic and we didn’t have a father around, so you find yourself rearing you and your siblings.”

Through her literary series and her work as executive director of Operation Unification, McGee says she works to bring solutions to what children in poor communities have to contend with. McGee’s sister operates a quality comprehensive day care as part of the Village complex which provides supportive services to low-income families.

The single mother of four collegiate sons is adamant about women becoming empowered and cultivating greatness in young people. “I’m lending my life as a compass and a guide toward that end.”

With more than 70 percent of black households being headed by women, McGee’s directive is to “raise the children and rear them and we won’t have to create nonprofits and build prisons and jails to aid that person. It’s taking the responsibility back.” roz edward

Send this Article to a Friend
facebook