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Five Guys
Multi-genre Project
By: Shanequa Perry
This project is dedicated to five great
men who have made a huge impact in
my life. Not a day goes by that I do not
miss my father but the four other men
that have stood in the gap have all
helped to somehow encourage me just
like I know he would have. My father
passed when I was three months old and
I recently met his side almost 4 years
ago. This project is dedicated to him to let
him know even in his absence others are
by my side.
Uncle (Orlandus Perry)
Cousin (Barry Hawkins)

Father (Fitzgerald Gregory)

Grandfather “Papa” (Geanie Perry)

Cousin (Anthony Perry

Uncle Orlandus
Uncle O,
Not a second goes by that I do not think back to
those days we shared growing up in Louisburg, NC. Every
moment spent together felt like we were inseparable. Everyone
thought and still thinks we are brother and sister until we tell them
I am your little niece. Being only 5 years apart, we somehow
managed to rarely argue but to always encourage and challenge
one another. Not only would I grow up learning about life but also
you have been my best friend through every situation I have
faced. You have really taught me things that I could have never
imagined I would need to know as a young woman. Rides to visit
your girlfriends, fighting over the front seat, and simply just
wanting to hang out with you and Twill, growing up was so much
fun. Thinking back on our younger days, I will never forget the
day I got whooped by dad “papa”. You knew that pencil box was
mine but you just could not let me have it so I slammed it and ran.
Running from dad, I made him slip and fall. That whooping was
your entire fault but I learned my lesson and to this day, I will
never forget it. We may have got into arguments but I can say
through it all you have still been my biggest encourager especially
when it relates to school. When you came to live with my mom, Z
and I in Greensboro I was really excited because I just knew we
would never separate and would later have a house together. After
I found out Deanna was pregnant with Jamori, I really did not
know what to do with myself. I just knew you would grow up and
forget all about me. Now that you are married and have four
children, we may not spend a lot of time together but I know when
I am in need of encouragement or a good laugh I can always count
on you. I may not say it often but you are one smart and talented
man and I am PROUD to call you my Uncle. Time will pass but
memories will never end.
I love you,
Your Niece Shanequa



Reflection:
Letter to Uncle O

This letter to my uncle was
written to simply express my
gratitude. After growing up with
a father my uncle along with my
grandfather stepped in to make
sure I was okay. Not a second
did he remind me that my father
was deceased but he always
encouraged me to do my best at
everything. My uncle has been
through so much but he has still
managed to graduate from
college and to raise four
beautiful children along with his
wife. Having to grow up at such
a young age most males
become a statistic but not him. It
has been a pleasure watching
him grow from a wild teenager
to a responsible father and
husband. Now he is teaching
music to young children and
even playing for different groups
around the world. He has taught
me so much and I will forever
cherish the memories.

“Let me tell you about my best
friend…..”Anthony Perry
(Cousin)

Dear Anthony,

Anthony Perry

Not having a brother has never crossed my mind. We have been
through so much together and I feel that whenever I look at you, I
see myself. Playing at the Legos table, family trips, church
conventions and spending quality time together has always been
nothing short of amazing. We are so much alike but yet so
different. Throughout the past few years we have grown closer
and I know that whenever I am going through anything you will
give me the spiritual and natural advice along with pray over the
situation. If there is anyone I know that can coach someone back
to life it is definitely you. Remember our college tour with your
parents? We went to the beach and had the time of our life even
after your dad made us drink those cokes to eat more. Being only
6 months apart we have never let anyone separate us. You have
always been my little cousin, but you have stuck up for me in
more ways than I can remember. I will never forget when you
tried to take someone out because they were speaking negatively
about me. Not only were you not afraid to hurt her but you made
sure to let people know that family came first. We laugh about
these moments but I know for sure if there is anything I need, you
have me. Times when I was unsure of my purpose in life you have
been there to make sure at the end of the day I was alright.
Anthony, I could go on an on with countless memories but I think
the pictures say enough. I will always be Grandma Ruth’s little
“Fatty Patty” but your Best Friend/cousin/db and everything else
we call each other. Thank you for having my back when others did
not have for always praying me through situations. I know that
you were called into ministry for a reason and if no one else
supports you I will. I love you with all of my heart!! Don’t forget
you will be my man-of-honor at my wedding one day.
Love,
Shanequa Perry (DB22)

“The things I want to know are in
books; my best friend is the man who'll
get me a book I ain't read.”- Abraham
Lincoln



Reflection:
Letter to Anthony

This letter to Anthony was just
to say THANK YOU. Thank you
for not only having my back
when others gave up on me but
for hearing me out and
encouraging me through some
of the most difficult times in my
life. Anthony is not only my
second cousin but he has been
my best friend. We are only 6
months apart but some say we
act just alike and we are
inseparable when we get
together. Anthony knows how
much I love him but I am sure
he never knew what an impact
he has on others even those
who are older than him. He is
not just a cousin or friend but a
true support system and the
lady he marries will gain
something special but will have
to go through me first.

A Poem for Daddy...
January 5, 1991 a little girl was born in a small town
Being called smart, beautiful and sometimes a clown
She never went to bed with a frown
Unless she just happened to be sad and down.
Sending her off to bed with a hug and kiss
Was her every year birthday wish
Longing for the love of a man that she had never met
She knew that if she could have that one thing, she would be set.
T-Ball games, A honor roll, Picture day were just some of the good days
She appreciated her grandparents for always going out of their way
To make sure she was happy, fed and cared for
They even tucked her in and closed the door.
From school to church she always had something to do
But she just wanted to hear him say, “I love you too”
Longing for the day that he would walk her down the aisle
And she would be dressed in an all white gown.
Knowing both sides of family history
This was to her just another unsolved mystery.
Wanting to be awaken from a dream
This couldn't’t be as bad as people made it seem.
As I am awaken and told to get out of bed
This is no dream , my father is really dead.
No sympathy needed it was not his fault
Just know my love cannot be bought.
God has given me four amazing men
But I am still glad that God calls me friend.
You may not be alive anymore
But I am just awaiting the day I enter through heavens door,
To see the smile on your face
And to feel the warmth of your embrace.



Reflection:
Poem for Daddy

I wrote this poem to express
how much I miss my father.
My father died when I was
about 3 months old and as a
child I always wanted to
have a relationship with him.
Not having him around was
one thing but not having
anyone from his family in my
life began to really take an
emotional toll on me. Having
to do family projects I always
wanted more information.
Not just a name but to
actually build a relationship
is something I have longed
for. He would be so proud to
just know that his baby girl
and only child has made it
this far in life. As I continue
through life's journey I am
reminded how much a father
is needed in a females life.

The Completion:
Nervous, anxious but excited
to finally see the person that I had been
communicating with over facebook I
quickly arose when the alarmed
sounded after a quick nap. September
10, 2010 would not be a normal night
but it would be a night to remember.
“Tony, hurry up”, I yelled as I quickly
wanted my boyfriend to finish getting
dressed. I could not be late because I
had booked the bowling lanes at Triad
Lanes in Greensboro, NC. Running
down the stairs I put on my blue pea
coat and got in the green Ford
Explorer. Forgetting that there was no
working heat, I ran back inside to grab
my gloves and hat. “Chirp, Chirp”, my
phone was constantly going off.

The Completion:

Tony begins to slowly ease out the drive way making our way to the
bowling alley, “Tony can you drive any slower”, I yell. “Shanequa, I
am driving the speed limit, just sit over there and hush”, Tony
mumbled. So many thoughts running through my mind but all I can do
is sit here quietly and hope that we make it on time. “Tony, you think I
look like them?”, “You think they will like me?, “What should I do
when they try to hug me?, I say jokingly.” Tony glances at me and
says, “Will you please take a chill pill?”

The Completion:
Finally after fifth teen minutes we
arrive at the bowling alley. I hesitate
to get out the car but I do and run
into Triad Lanes. Inside awaits my
mother and sister. We grab our
shoes and head to the lanes. A tap
on my left shoulder comes and it’s a
brown skin tall guy smiling back at
me. “Little Greedy Man”, says a
voice. I turn and its Barry Hawkins.
Barry is a cousin on my fathers side.
Smiling and anxiously I stand and
greet Barry and Billy. Billy is the
younger brother of Barry and a cousin
of mine as well. Never knowing that
this day would come I never asked
questions but we continued to bowl
until we could not anymore. Talking
and laughing as if we had known each
other for years, this day was the day I
met a man that would fill the void and
answer questions that I was unsure of.

Reflection:

Narrative – Completion

This narrative was written to
describe the first time I met my
cousin Barry. Barry is a first
cousin to my father. After
longing to meet my father’s side
I was relieved to find him on
facebook but even more excited
to finally meet him. Not only
has he been a positive role
model but he constantly checks
on me and whenever I am in
need I can see he is right there.
His visits and check ups mean
more to me than he probably
knows. The love and support
was what I needed as a college
student.

A Man of
Strength
GEANIE: Grandfather
Grandfather

Encourager
Awesome
Neatly Dressed
Intelligent
Entrepreneur
This words describe the man
that I call “Papa”

Its another day that the Lord has kept you here
As I write this to you, I cant help but to shed a tear.
Through all of the dark nights you’ve faced,
Remember in heaven there is a space.
Weeping may endure for a night,
But just keep fighting the fight.
From selling appliances to hosting elementary field days,
You have always went out of your way.
You have worked so hard to supply our every need,
Even those who weren't your seed.
Letting me have my way,
You always knew what to say.
Just a simple call to check on me,
You always told me, “Be the best grandchild I could be.”
I never knew that you would face obstacles such as you have,
But I am glad you are still here to provide a good laugh.
You may not always be able to do what you use to,
But I am glad for what you are able to do.
Several heart attacks and hospitals trips,
I am so glad God did not seal your lips.
It is a blessing to be able to still call you,
Just to hear you say, “I love you too”.

Reflection

My Grandfather has been there
for me since birth. Growing up
he could not believe how black
I was when I was born but I
have grown to be his little black
baby that he spoils. I wrote this
poem about my grandfather
who has been my provider,
resource (financial) and a
friend. My grandfather had
several heart attacks and he is
now doing what doctors
thought he couldn't’t. For as
long as I can remember my
grandfather has had some type
of business. While he may not
have been what others wanted
him to be he has still been one
of my closest friends and for
that I am truly grateful. Its not
easy when you have no father
but he has filled that void in
every way possible.

About the Author :

My name is Shanequa Perry. I was born in Raleigh, NC but raised in Louisburg (grandparents) and
Greensboro(mom). I will graduate December 2014 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree
in Elementary Education, concentration in Social Studies and a minor in Women & Gender Studies. This multi-genre
project is dedicated to Five Guys especially those who have stood in the gap after my father passed away.
Favorite Quote: “ In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”-Bill Cosby

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