š¹āØ IN HONOR OF S(HE) WHO INSPIRES ME MONTH āØš¹
- SHAK'IA YANCEY
- May 18
- 2 min read
Today, we proudly celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Flora Cousins ā affectionately known throughout the community as āMs. Buddy.ā šā¤ļø
Flora Cousins is a highly respected community leader, youth advocate, poet, author, and the visionary founder of Donāt Be A Bully Be A Buddy, a powerful movement dedicated to spreading kindness, preventing bullying, and empowering youth and families throughout our communities.
Her inspiring message has touched countless lives:
āThe more buddies created, the less bullies tolerated.ā
For more than two decades, Flora faithfully served children and families through Head Start, where she provided love, encouragement, and support during some of lifeās most formative years.
She is also a gifted poet, author, and speaker whose heartfelt words have brought healing, hope, and comfort to many. Through her business, Bet-U-Like-It Sentiments, she has shared inspirational poetry and meaningful spoken word centered around love, faith, unity, and restoration.
Her writings have been featured in FATE MagazineĀ and published for over 13 years in the Market Street Press, where her beloved āI Caught Youā column recognized everyday individuals for their kindness, hard work, and positive impact on the community.
Flora has also spoken at more than 100 funeral and memorial services, offering comfort to grieving families through deeply personal poems, including her cherished piece, āNo More Pain.ā
š Published Works Include:ā¢ Donāt Be A Bully Be A Buddyā¢ Colors of Loveā¢ Lost Skates
Her literary work has even reached international audiences, with one of her books released in London, England.
š Honors and Recognitions:ā¢ Rockford Park District Honors Awardā¢ James Franklin Wright Juneteenth Founders Award for Longevityā¢ International Society of Poets Recognitionā¢ Community Service Awardā¢ Positive Image of Rockford Awardā¢ Positive Reflection Foundation Youth Advocate Recognitionā¢ S(HE) WHO INSPIRES ME Honorary Award
Through her compassion, creativity, faith, and unwavering dedication to serving others, Flora Cousins continues to inspire generations of children, families, and community leaders.
Her legacy reminds us that words spoken with love can heal hearts, restore hope, unite communities, and truly change lives forever. š¹āØ
Thank you, Flora Cousins, for your lifetime of service, your beautiful spirit, and your commitment to creating a world where kindness always wins.
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