For my International Women’s Day I cherish the memories of so many women in my life. From my grandmother Mama Carrie and mother Sophie who always had my back. All of my many girlfriends growing up including my best friend from 1st grade Patsy Ford and from the schools attended. I had the support of so many great girls and women and not because they were celebrated but because they inspired me, even in high school. I was truly a girls girl. Even as a “tom-boy” it was the girls in my life supported my early successes. Even if it was my tap dance crew as a pre-teen or cheerleading squad in high school. Having the two Jewish sisters in the garment industry that put me front and center. Being that runway model that made me one of “the Black stallions” with the joy of Pat Cleveland. Getting to the moment of having the exchange of both Iman and I in each others lives, that undying support for decades. Discovering the youth of a Naomi Campbell, my “buffalo soldier”. There are many to name that brought significant value and memories. But at this moment in time it’s Toni Morrison that has my current daily attention. As she saw the story in me that I needed to tell. She wanted me to write the book. Now I am writing. Surely she is happy. There are so many women who helped me up the hill of life that I appreciate and enjoyed so much and still do. If nothing more but for their character, humor and ethics. Now I marvel at a generation of women that would make Toni so pleased to see their intention for the greater all. I want to name names but some are not enough or I will miss someone. Often times people say “the door was left open by “them” for me to walk through”. In the case of Toni Morrison she left a house on fire that can’t be put out. It’s not just her written words but just how she saw things and spoke. The inner strength. Her brilliance remains bright. May I catch the beam of light that she never doubted I had. As she remains my North Star. International Women’s Day is every day. #tonimorrison @patcleveland @the_real_iman #naomicampbell