As Black History Month comes to a close, it is only fitting that I end this series by honoring the woman who has had the greatest impact on my life—my mother, Veronica Roseboro. She embodies resilience, artistry, and love, leaving a lasting legacy not just within our family but in the world of design and craftsmanship.

A Humble Beginning

Veronica Inez Shepherd was born on June 17, 1956, in Griffin, Georgia, Spaulding County. She was the sixth of eleven children born to Joann and Robert Lee Shepherd Sr. Growing up as an army brat, she spent her formative years in Fort Bragg ( or Fort Liberty)  and Fayetteville, North Carolina, attending 71st High School and Mt. Clair Elementary.

Her journey into creativity began in her teenage years when her father, recognizing her potential, encouraged her to learn sewing—a skill that would not only become a source of income but also an artistic outlet. She further expanded her craftsmanship by learning to crochet from her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Purvis.

From Track to Textiles

In school, my mother was not only an artist but also an athlete, running track and taking art classes that nurtured her love for design. After graduating from high school, she moved to Maryland, where she assisted her sister by babysitting. She later returned to Fayetteville before setting her sights on Atlanta, Georgia, where she would build her career and family.

Upon arriving in Atlanta, she enrolled in Barbizon Modeling School, learning the elegance of walking with poise and grace. She held various jobs, from working at the Atlanta Fish Market to handing out cigarettes as a promotional brand representative. However, it was while working at George and Associates on Miami Circle in Buckhead that she met my father, Michael Douglas Cox. Their love story led to my arrival, and I even had the privilege of attending their wedding.

Life had more chapters for my mother. She and my father eventually divorced, and she later married James Benjamin Sr. After his passing, she married James Roseboro, a childhood friend from Fayetteville, NC. Through it all, she remained a pillar of strength, weathering unimaginable pain, including the devastating loss of my brother, James Benjamin Jr., to a tragic home accident. That loss left an irreplaceable void in her heart, one she carries with her every day.

A Life of Dedication and Passion

My mother was the epitome of hard work and sacrifice. She spent her weeks taking care of us three kids while balancing a full-time job, a part-time position at Hancock Fabrics, and sewing for decorators. She never allowed exhaustion to dull her creativity or limit her love for us. I remember watching her work late into the night, hands deftly stitching fabric into something extraordinary, transforming simple materials into beauty.

After years of dedication, she carved a name for herself in the world of home décor. As a seamstress, she specialized in drapery, upholstery, and home design, pouring her heart into every project. She made our clothes, decorated our rooms, and turned fabric into masterpieces. Her work has graced the pages of home decorating magazines, and her talent even took her to New York City to create custom draperies for the owner of the Atlanta Constitution.

Her artistic contributions reached far beyond the home. She contributed twice to the AIDS Memorial Quilt, with her work now displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. One of her most remarkable creations, a denim jacket, was showcased at the World Congress Center alongside Elton John’s jacket and later sold for $2,500.

A Passion That Lives On

To this day, my mother remains passionate about her craft, believing in the power of fabric to transform spaces and lives. You can now find her crocheted hats, scarves, and other creations on TikTok, Instagram, and the Nextdoor app, where she continues to share her artistry with the world. Her personal motto, “People lie about their size, but furniture don’t,” reflects both her humor and the precision she brings to her work.

Veronica Roseboro is not just my mother; she is a Black woman whose creativity, resilience, and passion have left an indelible mark. Her hands have sewn more than fabric—they have stitched together a legacy of love, dedication, and artistry that will be cherished for generations to come.

This final spotlight is not just a tribute but a celebration of a woman who represents the essence of Black excellence. Thank you, Mom, for being my inspiration and my first example of strength and creativity.

Join Me in Celebrating Her Legacy

If my mother’s story has inspired you, I invite you to support her work by following her on TikTok, Instagram, and Nextdoor. Show some love for her handcrafted pieces, share her journey with others, and celebrate the artistry of Black women who continue to shape history every day. Let’s uplift and honor the creative legacies that make our world more beautiful.

Thank you for reading, and let’s continue celebrating Black excellence beyond this month!

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