Hannah-Jones is celebrating Hulus docuseriesThe 1619 Project, a reimagined version of the same-namedspecial issue of theTimes Magazine.
My penchant for the underdog comes from my mom, Cheryl.
I grew up seeing her work on behalf of powerless people.
If someone needed a place to stay, they would stay with us.
To this day, theres a family friend staying with her because he doesnt have anywhere else to stay.
Thats just what my mom does.
Shes one of the most honest and generous people I know.
But growing up, I was always in trouble.
Ive always been very independent and averse to authority.
Ive never liked people telling me what to do.
I was defiant as a child.
I was the kid always asking questions so I was always getting in trouble, mostly for talking back.
I wasnt getting in trouble for big things.
She didnt like for us to feel hurt or sad.
So if I got my mom mad, Id really pushed the final button.
When I was in high school, I was dating this older guy against my parents demands.
I got caught sneaking out to see him so I got in a lotof trouble.
But that time, she stuck to the punishment.
For me, the real punishment was her disappointment, because she expected more of me.
I can count on her to provide me with an ear to listen.
The second episode of the documentary series opens with my moms laugh.
She has a tremendous sense of humor shes like a big kid at heart.
She just sent me a picture of her hair; she dyed it blue.
Shes got a nose ring.
Shes a fun person.
She likes to play.
She knew I had to be honest; I had to tell the story honestly.
Without this woman, I would not have had the career and impact that Ive been able to have.
I cant even fathom it.
I wish everyone could have grown up with a mom like I have.
I hope to have that punch in of impact on my own child.
As told to Leila Barghouty.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
source: www.bustle.com
