She Wore The Name – April 2022
Interview with LaToya Turner of the Greater Kansas City, MO
It is an honor to know you, and have the opportunity to interview such an amazing, beautiful young woman! So, tell our audience: Who is Tonka?
Thank you: I am a young woman that thrives & strive for greatness, but also doesn’t hold back my anguish and heart break that I have endured in my life. Yes, I will party with you, laugh, but at the same time, Tonka hurts. Tonka is my nickname, it means indestructible, it is a 1970 toy, and my brothers gave me that name! I am African American, and I am beautifully me. I’m not sure if I have lived up to that name, but I am the same today and tomorrow. I’m known for working hard & playing harder. Interesting enough, sometimes God doesn’t agree with the level of my playing, and I get smacked in the face from Him. I’m 42 years of age. I was married and I have 5 beautiful children. 4 girls and 1 amazing son.
Awesome! Where are you from?
I am from Kansas City, MO, my father is from Odessa, MO and my is mom from Higginsville MO. I traveled back and forth between the two cities, and I feel I had the best of both worlds.
That is good to know. Tell our audience about your amazing children & what are their ages?
They are incredible in their on-way! Each one, has a very demanding, plus, dynamic personality. My eldest, who is 24, was diagnosed with psychosis, however, she did attend college for production. She is in love with music. Her mental challenges slowed her down some, but she will achieve greatness with my love & continued guidance! Now, my 18 yr. old attends college! Applause, right?!! Freshman year, in Saint Louis “HBCU” yep yep! On an academic scholarship. Then my 16, almost 17, was offered a good “plus program,” that means she will start college while still in high school. She wants to be an OBGYN. My son is 14, he is still trying to find himself. He is in to sports & MC’s. Perhaps a comedic career is in his future, but his possibilities are endless. Finally, I have my 12-year-old who is in the 6th grade. She is at that age where she is battling adversity & behavioral differences within her school, however, she will find her way.
Your children are that impressive! Great job mom!! What is Tonka up to these days & what are some of your short-term goals?
Glad you ask. I enjoy, enormously, my motorcycle club. “Kawboys’ Motorcycle Club of Kansas City, MO.” I love attending church service. In addition, fishing, swimming, listening to music; “I like two stepping,” and board games with the family. Oh yes, I adore cooking! LOL!! I love watching people eat my food and seeing, their reaction!
I bet you throw down in the kitchen! Tell us what, or who inspirers you?
Of course, my grandmother, great auntie, 3 significant cousins, and my little cousin, to the upmost. Also, someone dear to my heart, my friend Miss. Donisha Smith. To see where she came from, and that I have been down that same road, and survived as well, lets me know there is a God. It may not be your family that touches your soul. In my case, it was Donisha, who gave me that critical word of confidence, it’s simply unreal. You walked with that with that person, and then, watch that person move on. My girl makes me want to get up and try. Listen, there are days that I don’t want to try, but I do it any way. Life can get depressing, there is agony, but I know I can do it and you can to!
Bravo! In my mind, you’re a “Community Activist,” how do you give?
I’m a giver- in my community, if is my last dollar, I can see people’s situation based on what I have been thru. I teach this, “the cards you have been dealt, you must play them and play them hard! You can’t worry about what someone else says. I touch people through encouragement and my strength. I’m supportive of anyone’s endeavors to build in our communities. My “Moto,” Do on to others, as you would have them do on to you.
I’m super proud of you! I understand you want to become a writer as well.
It’s not that I want to become a writer, but I feel that there is a story in me that needs to be told, and only I can tell my story.
Well said. What kind of book will you release? A tell all Non-Fiction?
Yes, my story is my truth, from childhood to present.
Tell us what you think that makes a person beautiful?
Honesty & integrity. Your compassion for people. Loyalty also makes a person beautiful. Not name brand items, or how you look. It is also about what you can offer someone to help build them inside and out.
Your Amazing! Right at this moment, what would you like to tell our reading audience?
I am me; I am one with myself, I am Tonka, I am sharing this with you because I care. I feel for all women of all races, that may have been through what I have endured, which has been pain and suffering at some level. I just want everyone to know I care.
Applause, nothing but applause! We as women, would like to know, what advice would give on how to wear our name?
My advice: understand what your name really means! How do you wear your name? How do you wear it for people to be inspired? Be cognitive of the things you say and do. Let’s be responsible, wear your name reverently. Now and in the future. Wear your amazing name proudly! You are embellished in purple and gold! Go woman! Awesome sauce!!!
Thank you, Tonka!
You can expect her bombshell book & other community adventures, like hosting, festivals, podcasting, & cookouts in the near future. She is a woman of prayer, introspection, plus action. Stay tuned & visit our website for updates on Tonka! Two thumps up Tonka! Our highest scoring!
Sponsored by Author Theresa A. Ward, She Wore The Name, An Epic Novel, available now @ Barnes & Noble & Amazon online, get it now! 5-star reviews!