An Ode. A Proclamation. NYC Strong. #NeverForget
Race Of Your Own with Vergi RodriguezSeptember 11, 202500:02:32

An Ode. A Proclamation. NYC Strong. #NeverForget

It’s not self proclaimed. It’s not forced upon or boasted. It’s a silent strength. It’s a confidence that can’t be taught. New York City raised me. The never ending dance classes. The subway always running late. The pizza spots that used to be a dollar a slice. My diet wasn’t always on par. But it’s New York City that taught me what impeccable taste in food really was. My dance teachers that pushed me beyond my limits. The symphonies and the boom boxes where I first heard beats like no other. Being a girl from Queens is a badge of honor. Hollywood thinks so too. Some of the most iconic movies. “Coming to America”, “Spiderman: Homecoming” & of course “Good Fellas.” It’s in the name. It’s in my roots. New York City gave me grit, grace, and a crown woven from resiliency. I walk with the legacy of generations and the power of survival. You don’t teach that—you live that. Because when you're from Queens, royalty isn’t a dream. It’s your birthright. I owe so much of who I am today to New York City. It’s not borrowed it’s not stolen . It’s treasured. Native New Yorkers all have a keen sense of what’s real. Because day in and day out they are faced with challenges they are forced to wear really well. Because when our ships come “crashing” in we stand as sturdy as the Brooklyn Bridge. Nothing wavers our strength.

Having a "Poker face" is learned as a child.

Season two of a “Race Of Your Own” I will explore even more stories of resiliency and strength.

Some will find this laughable. Know that this isn’t for them. Because those are the same people that will watch everything you do for “inspiration” and in the process become your biggest fan. For those of you that are still reading this and hanging on EVERY word, I know you understand everything I am saying on a cellular level… I see you just like you see me. Blessings.

New York City I will always LOVE you!

As the saying goes “A girl from Queens, NY isn’t just raised—she’s born an Empress.”

This is well known by native New Yorkers & a hidden truth. Fellas you already know this & we always encourage you to walk in your truth. But this is for all the Queens girls specifically. Let all the Queens girls everywhere show the world what that really looks like.

Hence why we are so very proud to be from the “Empire” state. 📍

This post is dedicated to all of the lives lost on that fateful day. One of the biggest moments in history for not only New York City but the world. We all can remember where we were. I do because just a few weeks before this we also lost Aaliyah. A job I was initially booked on but didn’t work on due to scheduling. May all the lives lost rest in great peace & power. May we never forget. 📍New York City #911 #NYCStrong #Queens #EmpressEnergy #NeverForget