OUR LOVE STORY
 
[April] This love story begins with two people excited to serve the community, specifically in the Bonton neighborhood.
 
[Tracy] I met April on June 17, 2021. The city of Bonton was having a Juneteenth celebration and she was a vendor at the event. I remember hearing her name around the community, as she worked for another non profit in the area, so when I met her it was great to put a face with the name.
 
[April] As I was a new arrival to the nonprofit, I received an email from a “Tracy Lindsey”. Thinking that this was a woman, I kept trucking through the continuous tasks in her contract role in hopes to eventually connect with “her”.
 
At the community Juneteenth event, I saw a handsome young child holding his dad’s hand. I spoke to the father and said, “your son is so cute! May I take a picture of you both for my black men photography project?” So, the father said yes and I took the picture. I then leaned in and asked for his name and he said, “I’m Tracy Lindsey, Director of the youth programming over here.”
 
[Tracy] We were introduced to each other by Clifton Reese and little did he know he was bringing together a forever union.
 
April at the time, was running her non profit “Black Men Breathe”, and was in search of a venue to host her next showcase. She saw for that my employer at the time, venue would be a great spot to host her next event. So we had our first meeting that following week. This is when I truly got to know April and I was afforded the opportunity to get a glimpse into how truly brilliant and magnificent she is; we spoke for hours about a plethora of topics.
 
[April] In the midst of this, I noticed that both staff and students heavily depended on Tracy for support and execution. With this, I noticed that he joked A LOT. In the conversation, Tracy’s divorce came up. There was a more serious side that suddenly approached. He went further into talking about his son, who he was so proud to be the father of, and he became increasingly serious. I was quite intrigued on how profound he was in those areas but he seemed to quickly shut that expression down. As we talked more, Tracy eased back into being extremely playful (and flirty).
 
 
[Tracy] We agreed and didn’t agree on many things, but one thing was for certain– I met my future wife. Which is exactly what I told my friends.
 
[April] We both concluded the meeting and made next steps to execute the program.
 
 
[Tracy] April and I stayed in touch for the coming months. We would check in on each other and play phone tag. I eventually followed her on Instagram and would leave subtle emojis portraying what I thought to be a flirty tone. I would find out later that those emojis only made it harder for me in the long run.
 
[April] As the months went by, we would chat about the program until one day I heard radio silence. During this time, I started a new job at a different organization. I then reached out to Tracy to check-in on him, only to hear that he was released from his previous position.
 
[Tracy] In August 2021, I unfortunately was released from my job. One of the first calls I received was from April. Not to ask about my sudden job change but to check on me. That’s the thing about April–she always seems to be at the right place at the right time in my life.
 
[April] I proceeded to ask, “how did you get fired on your day off?”
 
In the midst of this text conversation, Tracy’s name was audibly brought up at my new job and I quickly informed Tracy that a blessing may be on the horizon. It truly gave attention to how obvious it is in how Tracy impacts the people he serves. So, he applied, interviewed, and got offered the position except…he turned it down! When I asked why, he shared how important it was for him to prioritize time with his son and how essential it was to invest in that quality time, which I deeply respected. Nonetheless, after numerous conversations with the organization’s staff, he decided to take the position.
 
What a journey it was for me to supervise Tracy.
 
[Tracy] She was now my supervisor, which was a bit of a struggle for us at first. I wanted her to be my Michelle and I her Barack; meanwhile she wanted to just be my supervisor. Through a multitude of hard talks and conversations we developed a great friendship that I believe has guided us to this very moment.
 
[April] Through literal blood, sweat and tears from our community members, caring through deaths, transitioning through roles, it was inspiring to see the care that Tracy has for the community and for people. He always cares so much, and so authentically.
 
[Tracy] April received a new job title which meant she was no longer my supervisor. I immediately thought this would be my chance to pursue her as more than friends. With the help of Aquetta “Gege” and Tesa I felt a shift in our relationship.
 
 
[April] Tracy did not hold back on his admiration for me, as he expressed this any chance he could. I, distracted by life, was not biting. Ironically and serendipitously, I sought out specific prayer on becoming a wife, and here comes Tracy.
 
[Tracy] On March 3, 2022 during an event at our job, I walked April to her car. I remember it being frigidly cold outside because her lips were quivering as we were talking. I poured my heart out to her y’all. I call it my “Joe” moment, if you will. She politely said “thank you” and went home.
 
[April] It was so cold, and I was writing my first published book. I at first felt annoyed that he was holding me up from my best-selling novel. But, after hearing what he had to say, I truly realized that this man genuinely was serious. I ended up going home and calling my best friend Natalie, and she said “girl, might as well give it a try!”
 
[Tracy] She then called me the next day and said “let’s give it a try”.
 
Through sickness, mental health issues, hospital stays, deaths, financial issues and all of the above we have remained faithful in God and faithful with each other.
 
[April] There were so many times that I remember us on our knees in the plant room crying and praying for breakthroughs. So many times where we were hit with the hardest obstacles to the point where we could only take life hour by hour. Yet, in the midst of it all, I always love how we dance in the rain.
 
Going to concerts on the day of getting fired. Showing up for our friends when we have no money. Laughing heartedly in the midst of our tears. I truly learned that love isn’t about things being perfect, but it is about the person who makes imperfect things feel graceful. I now have the opportunity to gain a husband and a bonus son, but even more, gain a lifetime of support, commitment, respect, and care.
 
[Tracy] True love isn’t how you are when things are good but how you are even when it seems like your whole world is crumbling. On April 17, 2026 I will cross into marriage with not only my mate but my soulmate.
 
THAT IS OUR STORY, AND WE ARE STICKING TO IT!

Wedding Day

Reception

#PagingDrLindsey