Roleen Demmings
Roleen is an elementary school teacher and a fitness instructor. She created Baddie Cardio, an intense workout series, powered by popular hip-hop, latin and reggae music. Roleen resides on the westside of Indianapolis with her husband, Antoine and their three children: Reya, Maxwell and Aria. She enjoys hosting epic themed parties, composing educational songs and fanatically shopping for lipstick at MAC.
Harmony at Sea: Disney’s Racially Inclusive Voyage
As a Black girl growing up in a predominantly Caucasian suburb, it was clear that I was different. None of my teachers or friends looked like me, and when choosing a doll at the...
Ink Therapy: How Tattoos Helped Me Grieve
Tattoo parlors are filled with people addicted to ink. Some love the artistic expression, while others aim to brand themselves with a mantra or positive saying. Like me, many use tattoos as a form...
A Lifeboat in the Ocean of Grief: How Our Puppy Brought Us Joy
My mom was in hospice care when she met our puppy, Remy. Never a fan of dogs, she looked at his wriggling, fluffy body disdainfully and said, "I won't visit your house if he's...
Mimi’s Heaven Party: Saying Goodbye to our Beloved Mom and Grandma
Fluffing her tutu until it was just right, my two-year-old daughter, Aria, was finally ready to sit front and center for her Mimi's Heaven Party. That's the name my kids came up with for...
Thanksgiving Without My Mom
With eyes as wide as saucers, my three-year-old daughter, Aria, whispered loudly to her baby doll, “Mommy said we are running away from the bad guy Gweef, and that’s why we won’t see you...
Raising Libras: The Internal Justice Scales Never Tip
Zodiac signs are spoken of frequently to excuse unflattering behavior or explain extreme emotions. I’m sure you’ve heard someone dismiss their stubbornness, sharing that they are a Taurus. I’ve been guilty of crying uncontrollably...
Celebrating the Fourth of July as a Black American
As a child of immigrants, the Fourth of July was just another day. I didn't start celebrating it until high school when my American friends' traditions became mine. I knew it was a day...
The Password Kid: I Have a Favorite Child and That’s OK
With a bold smirk, my preteen daughter, Reya, enters the room and gets close to my face. "I know the answer to this, "she says in a low tone, "but just to clarify… I'm...
Stop Killing Us: The Pain and Pride of Being Black in America
Keenan Anderson was an educator and a parent, just like me. When I saw his death on social media, my heart felt like it weighed a thousand pounds as it sank into my stomach....
Smile! It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!
My one-year-old son, Maxwell, carries his stuffed toy Elmo everywhere with him: in the car, in his high chair, and to bed. Elmo endures a lot, as Maxwell's favorite toy. He is often thrown...
Missing my Dad: Losing a Parent to Type 2 Diabetes
“Through the years, we all will be together, if the fates allow.” That Christmas song line always makes me tear up because I think of my dad. The fates did not allow him to...
Shhhhh… Mommy has a Migraine
My head was throbbing, and I felt like I could blow chunks at any moment. More than anything, I wanted to crawl into bed with the covers over my head and disappear. But I...
Playing Second Fiddle in Our Family Orchestra: When You’re Not Your Child’s Favorite
My kid doesn’t like me. OK, I’m being dramatic. Of course, he likes me; I grew him in my womb and breastfed him for most of his life. Maxwell is shy around strangers, so...
My Happy Tribe Is My Vibe: Living as a Family of Optimists
I was taking a midnight snooze on the couch, after a riveting hour of crime investigation television. An ear-shattering noise awoke me out of my peaceful sleep. My eyes popped open, wide as saucers....