Changing How Black Fathers Are Viewed
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 12/02/19
Trashina Conner was born in Michigan. In 2011, she graduated from Howard University with a degree in dance, then moved to build her career in New York.
"Regardless of where you come from, if you have faith, you can make it happen," Trashina said.
Since she moved to New York, she's performed with Def Dance Jam Community, Mickey D. and Friends, Vashti Dance Theater, and BalaSole Dance Company. Through an NYU study abroad program, Trashina had the opportunity to go to Uganda, where she studied different dances and worked with artists from the mother land.
"Dance is that silent way to communicate when you don't know how to express yourself," she said.
Trashina is a full-time dance teacher at Achievement First Bushwick Middle School, and currently is in her second year of her K-12 Dance Education Master's program at New York University (NYU).
Arwanda Conner, Trashina's mother says: "Trashina stepped out on faith moving to New York. Her grandmother told her years ago 'you have a good brain so use it.' She's been doing it her way for the past 13 years since she left Saginaw. She has opened her door for many young friends that came to New York without a place to stay. Her greatest strength is her faith in herself."
Her father played a huge role in her life. He was a pastor, mentor, community advocate, and Trashina’s #1 supporter. During a time when black men are classified as irresponsible baby daddy’s. Trashina says that there are many black men who are great fathers but whose efforts are overlooked.
Being a daddy's girl and growing up in the presence of a strong and responsible male figure inspired her to pen a children's book that highlights the qualities of a great father.
Fortunately, she found a publishing company and was accepted after submitting a draft. In 2016, her first children's book "18 Ingredients to Make Daddy" was published.
Since Trashina blessed the world with her talent, she's had many book readings at public schools. For her, sales are important, but reading her book to children and listening to what they want to be is more rewarding.
"Believe in your children. If your child tells you they want be something, it's your responsibility to believe in their dreams and make that a reality," the author/dance teacher said.
"She has a strong village behind her and she offers that same support to others. She lost her dad at age 18, but that just gave her more determination to keep pressing on. She's my daughter an I love her," her mother added.
Trashina loves teaching, especially life skills. As a dance teacher, she prides herself in instilling confidence in her students.
With bullying being on the rise on social media, Trashina constantly reminds her students that social media doesn't define their worth, and they are beautiful just the way they are. Each day, as she walks in the hallways of her school, she showers students with words of gratification.
Because of how Trashina was raised, she doesn't believe in "no." She goes after whatever she sets her mind to. And as she furthers her education, she looks forward to empowering more children.
Welcome to Trashina’s World
Children reading Trashina’s book “18 Ingredients to Make Daddy”
“Dance is that silent way to communicate when you don’t know how to express yourself.”
“A strong woman is someone who can stand on her own regardless of what society is trying to make her.”
Connect with Trashina: Website:
Facebook: Trashina Conner
Instagram: T_ Dancer87
Email: t.connera@gmail.com
Website: www.trashinaconner.org
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