Life Ain't Been No Sunshine

The story of Legacy Nicole

The story of Legacy Nicole is inspired by true events.

"Sis, I trust only you to tell my story."

My reply was, "No one can tell your story like you, Legacy."

Having known Legacy Nicole Carter all my life, I knew she lacked confidence and had always been hard on herself. Sure, I could tell her story because, yes, I know it. But Legacy's story holds power that I felt could only reach the masses through her words. Why? Because this is her testimony, her assignment, and it is only for Legacy to share.

As her friend and sister, I knew exactly how to get her to tell her story. I let her do what she loves to do, TALK. So, as Legacy talks, I will transcribe.

~ Lakecia Lockeridge Manuel

Here is Legacy's backstory in her own words....

Introducing Legacy Nicole

Life ain't been no sunshine; I can tell you that. I have had my share of trauma, mental anguish, heartache, heartbreak, and moments of pure rage and fury. It's been times I have woken up and asked, "God, why am I still here? Did you put me here just to suffer all my life?"

Growing up, life was such a disappointment to me. I can think of some good childhood memories, but more bad memories come to mind, honestly. I am 38 now, and my life has been full of adversity. Oh, I hear it all the time, "You are so strong!" Hell, what else can I be if strong is all I ever had to be?

No, I am not a negative person. I am quite loveable, actually. I love peace and serenity, and I enjoy being in nature. One of my favorite places to visit is the ocean. My heart is full of compassion, and I am always trying to save someone else from their hurt and pain. I don't know if it is because I know what it feels like or if it is because my love for others is so strong... I don't know and probably will never know. I have begun to think nurturing and healing others is just part of my life's path.

As a little girl, all I ever wanted was to be loved for who I genuinely am, but that seemed to be the farthest thing from God's plan for me. He brought me into this world on an average fall day in September in Memphis, Tn: a big-eyed, brown-skinned baby girl with a head full of thick curls. I am sure when my mom named me Legacy, she did not understand the force that was sure to come with that name. It seems as if that day, the day I was born, would be the last moment of calmness for me before the storm.

I was born out of wedlock to a young, naïve girl and a real-life bad boy. They were young parents who didn't have a clue of what love was themselves, so it was practically impossible for them to provide the nurture that I needed from them. I never really witnessed any type of relationship with my parents, like never, and rarely did I ever see them in the same place at the same time. Why? Well, from my understanding, all it takes is one time. Yes, I, Legacy Nicole, am the product of a one-night stand.

I guess it's true what they say: good girls love bad boys. My dad was the dark milk chocolate bad boy who sold drugs by day and worked as a floor guard at the local skating rink at night. Hustling is in his DNA, but we will talk about that later. Now my mom was this thick, mocha-complexioned chick with long thick curly hair, a beautiful smile, and a smart-ass mouth. Just like that, my father was in heaven. He had to have her; little did he know, she would never be his wife, but she would always be in his life.

To understand who I am, you must first know where I come from, and if I'm going to tell you, I'm going to tell it right. So let me start with the two who God used to give me life: my momma and my daddy.