09/04/2026
They say a photo is worth a thousand words but this one brings back a thousand memories.
When I look at this picture of me standing next to Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, I remember stressing over every detail. I thought my suit looked too tight. I tried on tie after tie before finally settling on yellow because blue and yellow represent the Down syndrome community. I argued with my mama and my team all week because I wanted to wear my high tops. I gave in and put on black dress shoes only to walk in and see the Mayor rocking tennis shoes with his suit. For a split second I thought, Man, I should’ve worn mine. But then I laughed and thought, Well, at least today I’m dressed better than the Mayor.
What this photo doesn’t show is how nervous I was. I almost got sick in the car on the way down to Dallas. My best friend Alisha had to talk me down in the elevator, just like she does a thousand times a day.
But when those doors opened, I stood tall, chest out. I told the Mayor why May 21 mattered, how it was my Uncle Kelly’s birthday, how his life changed mine and so many others, and why Dallas needed a day to celebrate people with Down syndrome.
That day, May 21 became Downright Perfect Day in the city of Dallas.
So yeah, this picture may look like a simple handshake and a smile. But for me, it’s a snapshot of fear turned into courage, arguments turned into purpose, and a dream that became reality.
