I started singing in church, Mount Zion First Baptist, at the ripe old age of four. I will never forget an incident that happened when I was in the first grade. An older student came into the classroom and gave a note to my teacher, Mrs. McKinley. She looked at me and said, "Go with her to the principal's office." I was frightened to death. All the kids in the classroom were looking at me and laughing. They were saying things like, "Oooooh, you in trouble. You gon' git a whippin'." I was so scared. I hadn't done anything wrong, (that is, not at school.)

I followed the older student to the principal's office. I walked in the door with my head down and I heard these words. "Look at my little Black Gal. Come here and give me a kiss." I looked up and there was this beautiful woman, Mrs. Simmons. This was the lady who played piano at the church. I didn't know she was a teacher at this school. I went to her and she hugged me and gave me a big kiss on the cheek. She asked me did I remember her and I said yes. She told me that she wanted me to sing and dance in the school's Operetta. I was so happy. I went back to class, with my head up. I was somebody. All the kids looked at me for some telltale sign of tears, fear and pain. I didn't look left or right. I went straight to my desk and sat down with a little smile playing on my face.