We met our freshman year at the annual Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Conference in New York City. Jordan went to Tulane University in New Orleans and Khalif went to San Jose State University in California. It wasn’t until our last year attending the JRF conference in 2016 that we realized our connection. After texting, FaceTiming, and talking on the phone for months and a trip to Universal Studios in the blistering Florida July heat, we knew we wanted to be together, even if it meant being together from a distance.


After supporting each other through law school, an engineering degree, and a global pandemic, Khalif proposed to Jordan at dinner before the Day ‘N Vegas Festival. In true Jordan fashion, she said “obviously.” It was the only event that could overshadow seeing Kendrick Lamar perform his entire track list live that night.

Holidays have special meaning to our relationship. As students in a long-distance relationship, holidays were often the only times we could see each other when we started dating. In fact, New Year’s Eve is one of few days we have been physically together for every year of our relationship. We can’t wait to spend this New Year’s Eve with all of you too!