This book stands as a time capsule of sorts - a collection of letters, poems and stories written by one father to his firstborn child, a bright-eyed daughter. These letters, poems and stories that could have been placed in a time capsule, buried, and opened years from now by a wizened woman are here for us all to enjoy and from which we can learn and grow. In his first published book "Dear Usha: Messages To My First Born", Lashawn Marston offers his readers an opportunity to explore this unconventional time capsule as he takes us on a journey through his experience as a first-time father to Usha Reign. As you read, you will come to know more about this young man, his challenges and triumphs, which led him to want to write so prolifically and profoundly to his newborn baby girl. His joys, fears, concerns, and hopes are exposed through prose and narrative for Usha and us all to read. One can only imagine the impact her father's words will have on Usha as she grows into the powerful woman she is destined to be. Who knows what impact these words may have on you, your family, and our communities. One thing is certain, within these chapters, these pages, these words, readers will agree that there exists a love that knows no space or time.
About the Author: Lashawn Marston, aka "Suga Ray", a Queens native, was born on March 14th, 1984 to Leroy Evans and Kim Marston and was the youngest child of both parents. He attended several schools in Western Queens, including P.S. 111, P.S. 76, I.S. 204, I.S. 126, and I.S. 145, where he graduated with honors. Lashawn began high school at Long Island City High School, but finished at The Door, a high school equivalency program in Manhattan, where he received his High School Equivalency Diploma in August 2000. Lashawn has had to overcome great personal adversity (being shot, going to prison) and in 2007 made a conscious decision to remove himself from the destructive path he found himself on and instead decided to use his time to help families and individuals that were burdened with their own trials. Lashawn began volunteering his time alongside countless community activists, such as Erica Ford in Queens and Geoffrey Davis in Brooklyn. With the guidance of these two giants, "Suga Ray", built a global name for himself. He has traveled throughout the U.S addressing many issues that plague the Nation, especially the people and communities that have been historically underserved. Lashawn has additionally become an artistic figure within his own right, landing a leading role in a 2010 production of, "Love Doesn't Hurt", a stage play revealing domestic abuse, as well as being known as a dynamic Spoken Word artist under the name of "Suga Ray". Lashawn has made great strides in his quest for personal growth, as well as in improving the situations and conditions of the world at large. Awards, Acknowledgments & Honors 2010 - Recipient of the International Men's Day King Award for Man of Excellence 2012 - Black History Month Honoree and Recipient of an NYC Proclamation given by New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer 2013 - Honoree at the Tony McFadden Jr. Foundation's 1st Annual Honorary celebration Artistic Prowess -Leading role in a 2010 stage play "Love Doesn't Hurt" -Performed Spoken Word at the 2011 Fallen Hearts Fashion Experience in Manhattan, New York -Performed Spoken Word at the 2011 Young, Gifted & Talented Showcase in Queens, New York -Performed Spoken Word at 2012 Black History Month Honorary celebration in Queens, New York -Performed Spoken Word at 2013 "Cease The Violence I Want To Live" Annual benefit concert in Queens, New York