| During Black History month everyone will remember | | | | those who thought life was dark and hopeless. |
| the long line of history left to celebrate, and look | | | | Poetry was a beacon of light for LaKisha like Behanzin |
| toward the future of history being written with the | | | | often referred to as the King Shark, a surname which |
| Kings and queens, leaders, orators, champions and | | | | symbolized strength strength and wisdom. LaKisha |
| heralds of a great nation of people. Amongst these | | | | used words in her poetry to give strength and wisdom |
| great people are those who may or may not get a full | | | | to her readers. She fed her poetry to anyone who |
| appreciation of the effect they have made on history | | | | would listen. Thankfully words were not something that |
| and I want to dedicate this article to a cheerleader for | | | | just lay on a page, words were for inspiration, action, |
| children, poetry and motivation in the person of LaKisha | | | | consolation, and comfort to LaKisha as anyone who |
| Marie Tanksley. | | | | came around her would immediately find out. If you |
| I feel blessed and deeply moved to have met LaKisha | | | | stood still for a few minutes around LaKisha, your |
| in Chicago while working to close the digital divide thru | | | | going to hear some poetic or motivational words - |
| educating people to the uses of technology. The | | | | definite proof of her having the King Shark as an |
| cliché of - this being a small world has never | | | | ancestor with his massive contribution to his time and |
| rung true in the fact of being able to meet and work | | | | ours. |
| with LaKisha while in Chicago, a humongous city of | | | | During the summer of 2005 we lost another member |
| hard working people with a unique vision. Chicago has | | | | of our motivational cheerleaders, especially one who |
| given us a some history makers in it's own right Mayor | | | | would have proven to become an icon of motivation. I |
| Harold Washington, Author Richard Wright, Explorer | | | | close with an excerpt from her collection of poems - |
| Jean-Baptist-Point Du Sable the founder of Chicago, | | | | Bridges of Hope, a fitting title for a book from a |
| Talk Show host Oprah Winfrey and many more. After | | | | fantastic cheerleader of hope - Mrs. LaKisha |
| working with Lakisha for a too short while I knew in | | | | Tanksley-Simpson, Poet and Motivational Speaker, |
| my heart that she was in the right place at the right | | | | Chicago, IL |
| time. Since her passing in the summer of 2005 I also | | | | I leave everyone with a small excerpt from one of her |
| know that she will be missed by thousands and | | | | books - Bridge of Hope: an anthology of motivational |
| hopefully millions that her work was able to touch. | | | | poems and stories, with the 2nd book titled - There is |
| Lakisha had a vision of motivating those around her in | | | | an Oasis : a collection of motivational poems. |
| the same path as Oprah Winfrey and Gwendolyn | | | | From the book 'Bridge of Hope', a poem titled 'I Am |
| Brooks. Her poetry touched and inspired those who | | | | Destined for Greatness' |
| read the living words she brought to light not only from | | | | I am destined for greatness. |
| herself but from children she worked tirelessly to | | | | I am determined to succeed. |
| inspire and reminded me of Cleopatra VII, Queen of | | | | I have what it takes to get what I need. |
| Kenet an incredible linguist in her own lifetime. | | | | Because success is the core of my existence; |
| In searching for wisdom her thirst for was just as | | | | The manifestation will appear with time. |
| royally steadfast as Makeda, Queen of Sheba. | | | | Determination is what my dreams are made of... When |
| LaKisha would tell me about her quests to find ways | | | | I seek I will find. |
| to inspire others thru poetry and motivation for all | | | | |