We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brynndah Hicks Turnbo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brynndah below.

Brynndah, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parent’s journey began in the summer of 1951 when they decided to leave Darling Mississippi in the middle of the night for a better life.

Better meant no longer working in the fields and watching the school bus pass them to pick up children while they picked cotton. The choice to leave put them in danger but it was a risk they were willing to take.

They were traveling light with a small bundle of clothes wrapped up with bold courage and the hope someone would give them a ride to build a better life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

As a creative artist who works in higher education, I have the opportunity to meet a variety of diverse people from around the globe. Each potential student has a unique personal story that leads them to explore a new journey of self-discovery or self-improvement. I enjoy being a part of a new student’s decision to begin or return to school to accomplish a lifelong academic goal.

Take Jeffery for example, he only needs to complete one class to receive his Bachelor’s Degree this summer. We selected the best course for his work schedule and he thanked me, no problem. I thought it was a regular Monday until he asked if it would be ok if he called his Mother. I said of course, do you need some privacy? I can step out.

Jeffery said no. I want you to talk to her, and let her know I am graduating! It was my honor to do so.

When his mother answered the phone, I shared with her to gather the family, we have a College graduate in our presence. Jeffery’s Mother is 94 years old and said she is going to keep living to see Jeffery finally walk across the stage at 58 years young. PRICELESS

Sometimes it is a bittersweet experience like facing the reality that making one more demo reel is more fulfilling than passing Philosophy.

Take me for example. Fade in, the writer. I have a BLOG that needs more attention than my working life schedule allows. But I write anyway. When I write, I am being me. the one I love the most.

Sometimes a thought-provoking piece is born or a life lesson experience worth sharing.

Other times it’s an endless effort to gift the world with this creative masterpiece of words, be it a poem. a story, script, or song..And so it begins, the writing, rewriting, submitting, editing, resubmitting. Yes, we love it! But.., no, next time, maybe, not now, not you, not THAT subject, wrong theme, right theme wrong time, try again, stop trying, start again, forget it…Start again.

Finally, you realize even if no one ever acknowledges your talent and abilities you must continue to develop your skills. You ask again what would you do if they say yes? How about you saying “yes”.

I am most proud of a labor-of-love project which was removed from the creative vault during the pandemic. It required meeting with my writing partner every Saturday for a year, There have been several nerve-wracking rewrites and table reads hosted by Clubhouse and WOCU (Women of Color Unite) The response from industry professionals was encouraging, impressive and the script was recently selected and recognized by the Chicago Script Awards.

I have yet to prepare a speech that begins with “I would like to thank the Academy” but I will say I thank GOD.
I don’t need permission, acceptance, or anyone’s approval to create stories or creative works that express who I am. I just need to take the time to do it.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up in a large family teaches you very early to appreciate anything beyond basic needs. My wonderful parents did the best they could do with what they had at the time to ensure we had a roof over our heads when we fell asleep.

We lived in a redlined community categorized by zip code and race in North Omaha, Nebraska. My father was a self-taught man who worked hard as a laborer to earn half of the average salary of a less than qualified man.

When he and my Mother chose the midwest to live in, it was ultimately to provide a brighter future for any children that came along. It was the hope of a better life for us.

This is the foundation I stand on that influences my daily purpose. Every new place I travel to or new experience I carry them with me.

When I write, there will always be a character from a working class environment with values that reflect integrity, perseverance, and a come-back spirit. There will be a connection to their beginnings and the courage to face the challenges. There will be a theme centered around the significance of family connections through supporting, and uplifting one another. I strive to include messages of life values in my stories.

In my work-life, at Dallas College, it is rewarding to have a voice in creating processes or supporting programs that impact lives through education and training.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Yes. I can. it would have to be hearing the words “you have cancer” 3 years ago as a result of taking estradiol-norethindrone-acetate.

Even though the impact of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal healthy women has been well documented. There is clear evidence of the increase in the risk, yet prescriptions continue to be ordered and filled.
I call it prescription cancer for unknowing women.

The only warning is a double meaning disclaimer:

“Your health care provider has recommended this med because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks” Nothing could be farther from the truth.

I had to receive radiation therapy and emotional support counseling to get to the other side of the trauma. It still hurts.

With my GOD and my support team of sisters and a few male friends, I decided to fight, to live again. I decided to forgive myself for trusting a medical doctor who upon hearing the news, could only say “It was my choice” to take the meds. I never saw him again, but I did write him a letter expressing my disappointment and rage. The only response I received was from his front desk scheduler who obviously processed the incoming mail. She called me in tears to offer her support and also shared that she too was on the same medicine. I told her to consider discarding it.

I was encouraged by a few to consider a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company, the doctor, etc. I asked GOD for my health, and strength and my smile back instead.

GOD lead me to this passage: Isaiah 43:1-3 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by your name: You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: And through the rivers,, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor will the flame scorch you.

I realize I am not the first person nor will I be the last person to experience this. But I can’t help but wonder how many other women are about to experience this who have little or no knowledge of the damage of the drug. (estradiol-norethindrone-acetate.)

Research all meds that are recommended. Trust your body, know your body, study your body, love YOUR body.

Contact Info:

• Website: 4hickombottom.com

Image Credits
images courtesy of Brynndah Hicks Turnbo