In the spring of 1993 Terry began to suffer from alcoholic neuropathy which led to problems with her legs and feet as a result of strain on her heart. Finally, upon being told that she would lose her feet, her legs, and possibly her life, Terry was admitted to intensive care on September 28, 1993.

Afterwards, unable to walk unassisted Terry sought and was admitted to the renowned Eloenor Hutzel Recovery Center a residential alcohol and drug treatment center in Detroit . Even in treatment, weak and in ill-health Terry exercised her right to agitate for what was right and just. During her stay there Terry also learned to love and accept herself in a new and different way. She was steered to accept nothing less than full acceptance of all of who she was. She re-embraced and relied profoundly on her African centered, activist upbringing finding hope and strength in its teachings, and her faith was renewed. It is Terry’s belief that the strengths she gained through increased self awareness and lifelong connection with her culture and people allowed her to succeed in overcoming her addiction.

After completing the five month residential portion of the program – her healing process at EHRC was tailored, she moved to transitional housing and enrolled at Detroit ’s Wayne State University through the now “endangered” Division of Community Education at the College of Lifelong Learning . She went on to work doing light housekeeping and yard work in exchange for her rent. She then fanned out providing services for residents across metro Detroit . One year from her admission to treatment in 1994, Terry graduated from treatment (she views as her greatest honor), completed requirements of the DCE program and was awarded for finishing top of her class city-wide. She was admitted to Wayne State University ’s liberal arts program as a full time student.

In 1998 Terry was awarded an academic research fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMHCOR) which covered her tuition and living expenses. While fulfilling fellowship requirements (alongside her Bachelor’s degree studies), she completed a study entitled “Double Jeopardy: The Complexities of Racism and Homophobia Related to African American Gay Men and Lesbian Women.” She presented the paper and related research at the NIMH COR Colloquium in Albuquerque , New Mexico in 1999.

An activist student, Terry was also appointed WSU’s Student Council representative to the President’s Commission on the Status of Women which funded her proud journey to the Million Woman March. She is a recipient of other nominations, honors and inductions including the 2004 “Living Legacy” Award of the Division of Community Education.

During her college career, Terry was guided and mentored in her studies and in life by her treatment counselor and now trusted friend, Terri Everett, M.S.W – and academic advisor and personal hero the late Rev. Dannie Brown. Relying upon their unwavering support and the lessons she learned while in treatment and in life Terry completed her Bachelors degree in Social Work in 2000. Upon completing her Bachelors degree Terry was accepted to the Advanced Standing Masters degree program at Wayne State University and received her Master of Social Work degree in 2001.

While completing her Bachelor and Masters degrees Terry interned with the Detroit Rape Counseling Center and Detroit City Council President Emeritus Maryann Mahaffey. Just prior to completing her Masters, Terry was appointed as a Legislative Analyst at Detroit City Council President Maryann Mahaffey’s office.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, in 2003 Terry was appointed the Affirmative Action Chair of the Detroit Board of the American Civil Liberties Union – and has been an activist force within that organization. In 2005 she was elected to the board. Terry is a sought after instructor, lecturer and motivational speaker at colleges and universities across the Detroit metro area.

In 2005, Terry’s employer Maryann Mahaffey retired from the Detroit City Council - and she found herself with the opportunity to pursue other dreams and passions. She was encouraged to explore her desire to create a space where Black same gender loving people and transgendered people and straight Black people could engage in thoughtful dialogue and reconciliation. Terry also seeks to educate and demonstrate that these groups already openly interact together in work, play, and life.

Finally, Terry’s desire to accomplish this through a unique vehicle that would instill feelings of pride, belonging, and love led her to the creation of this website.

Malika Heath, Esquire