When I first received the copy of Lezley McSpadden, Mike Brown's mother's, book, Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil: The Life, Legacy, and Love of My Son Michael Brown, I thought it would be too heavy for me to enjoy. While there were undoubtedly some heartbreaking moments as she told the story behind the headlines, there were quite a few times when I laughed, times when I raised my eyebrows, times that made me think and certainly times that inspired me. Towards the end of the book, after her son had passed away, McSpadden speaks about meeting Tina Knowles-Lawson. And during the meeting, Ms. Tina asked her "So, what are you going to do?" It was a question that weighed on her. By the end of the book, she provided one answer. She launched the Michael O.D. Brown: We Love Our Sons and Daughters Foundation but as a woman, a mother to three other children, wife and only 37-years-old, the answer to that question is ongoing. Last week, she completed another piece of the puzzle when, after 21 years, she received her high school diploma. In the book we learn that despite her very best efforts, and I do mean very best, McSpadden dropped out of high school during her junior year to take care of her eldest son Mike Brown. Now, three years after he was killed, McSpadden completed course requirements and received her diploma from Jennings High School during the 100th commencement on May 26. According to The St Louis American, McSpadden worked with Jennings School District Superintendent Art McCoy Jr. to start an adult education program and became the fist student to graduate from it. McCoy told The St. Louis American that when he met McSpadden he wanted to help her with her foundation but also with her education. He felt it would the perfect tribute to her slain son. McCoy monitored McSpadden's progress up until her final math exam, taken this month, that cleared her to graduate with the class of 2017. The moment was made even more special because she shared the day with her daughter Deja Brown who graduated among 160 other students. Check out the pictures from the day and well wishes from people who've followed McSpadden's story on the following pages.Congrats to Lezley McSpadden, @JenningsK12 High School Class of 2017. @wileyprice56 photo pic.twitter.com/1LLwS7K7X8
— Chris King (@chriskingstl) May 27, 2017
#BlackGirlMagic
Lezley McSpadden, mother of #MikeBrown, presents her daughter Deja Brown with her diploma as both women graduated from @JenningsK12. pic.twitter.com/XvUfYIhpE2
— Robert Cohen (@kodacohen) May 27, 2017
We walk w/u Lezley McSpadden. You've touched the lives of many. NOw go forth and touch many more. https://t.co/iQumzdpLvO
— I Love Politics (@BeeSaysPolitics) June 1, 2017
This just brought a huge smile to my face...Congrats to Lezley McSpadden and Mike Sister Daysa!!! https://t.co/SyOIP2efW7
— Joan's Daughter (@ang3LRene) June 1, 2017
This powerful to GOD be the glory Love ....this is a must read...Yes she can and Yes she DID with the help of GOD... https://t.co/JytuworM77
— TheNewMe (@TwylaBaylor) May 26, 2017
Congratulations to Lezley McSpadden, the mother of Mike Brown. She received her high school diploma at age 37. It's NEVER too late! ❤
— TV One (@tvonetv) June 1, 2017pic.twitter.com/C2VVFFQPhM
Congrats to Lezley McSpadden for completing her education and being the first to complete @JenningsK12 Adult Ed program.. pic.twitter.com/6sfAlrHfuV
— Councilman Wilson (@TeeWill06) May 27, 2017
Lezley McSpadden in her Class of 2017 Jennings High School commencement booklet. pic.twitter.com/7qZKVR6oi4
— Chris King (@chriskingstl) May 23, 2017
The post Mike Brown’s Mother, Lezley McSpadden, Graduates High School With Her Daughter appeared first on MadameNoire.