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Jul 30
25m 59s

Perseverance: She became a mother at 16,...

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About this episode

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Tessie D. Edwards.

A family and criminal law attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and themes from the episode:


🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Life & Adversity

  • Tessie Edwards grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, teen pregnancy, and systemic injustice.
  • She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, and had her second child by 18.
  • Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her dream to become a lawyer.

2. Turning Point

  • A pivotal moment came when someone told her that her daughter looked like her. That realization sparked a deep desire to become someone her daughter could look up to.

3. Relentless Pursuit of Education

  • Earned her GED, then an associate degree to qualify for military service.
  • After a brief stint in the military (cut short due to pregnancy and miscarriage), she pursued higher education.
  • Graduated from Indiana University with five children and went on to law school with her then-husband.

4. Professional Success

  • Now runs a multi-million dollar law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Has handled over 2,000 criminal cases and is deeply committed to serving families in crisis.
  • Her firm has been serving the Atlanta community for over 15 years.

5. Support System

  • Credits her success to a strong support network: her husband (who co-runs the firm), her children, her brother, and her team.
  • Emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision.

6. Advice & Motivation

  • Be clear about your goals and stay focused.
  • Don’t wait for the “right time”—start now.
  • Believe in your dream even when others don’t.
  • Use adversity as fuel for your ambition.

💬 Memorable Quotes

  • “I feel thankful but not satisfied.”
  • “My life was so divinely chosen… I was just given a dream and the courage to go after it.”
  • “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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