Dr. Larita S. Barnes is an Author, Mom, Pastor, CEO and East Louis native. As a victor of rape and molestation, with former gang affiliation and alcohol abuse, she understands what it means to need a way of escape from difficult situations. Her new book, “My Pink Stilettos,” is gaining momentum globally. It features her powerful story of overcoming and the harrowing tales of 17 other women from across the globe. “With the pandemic going on, these stories simply could no longer wait,” says Rice-Barnes. Through these stories, she hopes that people will see the rich value in their own struggle. “Who told you to stop telling your story?” says Rice-Barnes. “Testimonies don’t expire. No matter how ugly or old it is, tell it. There’s real healing in that.
Your journey to success was arduous. Share your background.
I grew up in a single-family home with my mother and grandmother in an urban community in a city called E. St. Louis, Illinois. The community like then is still disenfranchised and under-resourced. In the 1980s my grandmother was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. The doctors had given up on her and was expecting her not to live. I remember us calling for one of the local preachers to come and pray for her. My mom and I were her primary care-givers. Through the power of prayer, love, and nurturing we watched my grandmother be restored back to perfect health. Somewhere during this time my mother fell victim to the war on drugs in our community. She became addicted to crack. The addition lasted all through my junior high school years up until I was in my 30’s. I was raped in high school and my mom wasn’t aware at the time that I had been molested as a little girl. There were many twists and turns in my life but through prayer, determination, focus and a will to live. The life that I now live is about helping others to discover their purpose and walk in it.
What was a pivotal moment in your life?
When my grandmother passed in 2003. The entire dynamics of our family changed. So much so that one of my uncles seemingly began to drink himself away and my brother was becoming overtaken by the urban streets. The grief of losing my grandmother lasted well over 15 years and to this day there are times when it still doesn’t seem real.
You are known as the Change Agent. Tell us more.
Yes, in part because of my calling to bridge gaps of racial, religious and economic divides. My charge in life is to provoke people into their destinies. It is my duty and call to be impactful in some way to all that I come in contact with. I had an epiphany several years ago. It was as though fresh water had been poured upon. I heard these words calm as day. I Woke Up To Purpose. It has become a tagline and a mission.
As the global author of “Trapped in the System,” how do you see 2020 as an Agent for Change?
I see 2020 as a massive opportunity for growth and global expansion. Now that we have been forcefully thrust into the digital world of technology our reach is much further, broader and impactful. I see myself continue to lead in building transatlantic relationships.
You have spent your life helping others. Share your initiatives.
Yes, even as a little girl I used to beg my mother and grandmother to send money to Africa. We used to get to feed the children flyers in the mail. They accommodated my desires to give. There was a Caucasian lady named Kathy that used to come by our house. I would sneak food or at least I thought I was sneaking food out of the house to give it to her. Lol I found out later that my mother and grandmother all along that I was doing it. I currently serve as a political advisor to parliament members in several countries. We have an outreach ministry in Kenya.
Two in Uganda and one in India. We provide services to low income or no income families. Global Impact Leadership Alliance a.k.a GILA is my organization that seeks to promote racial and economic dignity, and creates platforms for foreign educational exchange.
Tell us about your new book, My Pink Stilettos.
Commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women everywhere, My Pink Stilettos, featuring my powerful story of overcoming and the harrowing tales of 17 other women from across the globe. “They show that no matter your age, geography or situation, you have the power to heal, forgive, and fight for what you believe in.”
Through these stories, my hope is that people will see the rich value in their own struggle.
When you read our stories you will laugh, you will cry, you will have to put the book down for a minute to gather yourself. Those who read it will be sure to find themselves while reading through the pages of our book.
We are a diverse group of women representing 5 Continents. Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and North America. Each one of us brings our own unique style and flavor. We have different ways of dressing. We have accents and different styles of writing and spelling, but our messages are unified.
17 women came together from across the globe in the midst of a declared global pandemic to pen this masterpiece. The book can be found on Amazon.
Share a favorite passage.
Of course, I have several. Every part of this book is absolutely amazing. There is a quote that God spoke to me to get me to accept this writing assignment. It is a quote. “Testimonies DON’T Expire. “Who Told YOU To Stop Telling YOUR story?” This quote has served as a tagline. It has literally been resounded across the globe by women all over.
How is ” Power Moments To Live” changing lives?
Power Moments To Live is more than just a platform for others to share their messages. But rather, it is a gateway to help bring awareness to relevant news and trailblazers who are intentionally making a positive difference in the lives of others. My quote for Power Moments To Live “Designed To Shift Your Thinking and Catapult You Into Your NOW Place.
Why are clients seeking you for coaching today?
People want hope. They want to be empowered. They want to be reminded and encouraged that they can make it. My story as you know has had its share of hardships and trauma. However, by the power of God I was able to overcome. I was determined not to let the doors of opposition keep me from thriving. Here’s another quote of mine. “Scars are just an indication of where you come, not a limitation to where you are going. When you have personally conquered something people want to know HOW you did it.
What’s your vision for 2021?
I see 2021 in a quite similar matter as 2020. It’s a massive opportunity for growth and global expansion. I will continue to evolve and carefully strategize for the next iteration of my career, work and family life. I will increase visibility through the digital world of technology. I will work to make sure that our overseas partners are included in the conversations of building out a Global Culture of Health. I see myself as one of the top influencers of building transatlantic relationships.
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