Camille Edwards’ mother, Judith Edwards, grew up alongside six
brothers and sisters in a small town in Delaware.
Judith learned early on that her future may not be so bright—primarily
due to her family’s circumstances. Her father had a good job as a mailman
in the tiny Delaware community, a rare opportunity for a black man in those
days. Yet, it was still difficult to feed and clothe such a large family.
Previous post: Camille Edwards’ Childhood
Judith’s mother cleaned homes for extra money while trying to
raise the seven children. This was no small task for a woman who started having
kids at the age of 16. Judith had to step in at a young age to cook and clean
for her family. She had also helped raise her younger siblings, which didn’t
leave a lot of time for schoolwork.
But despite the burdens placed on her during her formidable
years, Camille Edwards’ mother enjoyed school and the escape it provided from
her family life. She became an avid reader. She did not have many friends,
because, in her world, there just wasn’t time to socialize with her peers. Her
friends were the characters in the books she read.
Despite having good grades in high school, college had never
been a realistic option for Judith. Her father never even considered sending
her to college, largely because she was needed at home to help with her younger
brothers and sisters. She felt so trapped, fearing she would never achieve
anything.
That all changed one night when she was 18 years old, and on a
date with a young man. Into the club walked three very tall men. One of them
was 6’7”, and his name was Dennis Edwards, Camille’s father.
Camille Edwards’ gift of gab and confidence comes from her
mother. She is the reason Camille decided at a young age to pursue a career as
a television news reporter.
Related post: Camille Edwards’ Father as Inspiration
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