Love Stories: During February, which is Black History Month, as well as a month for romance, discover the journeys these Black couples are on as they create a loving legacy while partnering in spite of racial challenges. Today, get to know William and Erica Jefferson, who are raising four boys with a foundation of love and voices lifted in positive affirmation.
Smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes and grits are on the menu in the open-concept kitchen and dining room in Ocoee. The affirmations are from Erica Jefferson, 39, who, with her high cheekbones and slim, angular face, resembles more a Vogue model than what you might picture as the matriarch of a busy family, which includes her four young Black sons.
Three-year-old Carter, wearing Ninja Turtle pajamas, dances into the kitchen and requests a carrot. Next in is Alexander, 8, wearing Pikachu pajamas, followed by Nathan age , wearing his red Spiderman pajamas.
Both take a seat at the adult table. William Jefferson, 37, lifts Carter into his arms and sits down at the table while Erica stands holding their cooing 5-month-old Elijah. However, this contemporary couple is not as traditional as their story begins. Erica was a youth minister at The Worship Center church and organized activities for congregants. One day, she had a last-minute cancellation by a girlfriend at an event.
She then called William to come and pick her up. The two had become friends at church. When William arrived, the chemistry in the room was palpable. Today, she is a licensed realtor selling homes to all with the goal of helping Black first-time home buyers make their life-changing purchases.
