She has overcome poverty, abuse, the illness of a child and years of alcohol addiction, yet remains the epitome of strength. That’s the personal story told by author Lucille O’Neal Wednesday at the YWCA’s Empowering Women Luncheon.
And standing 6-feet 2-inches at the podium, the 61-year-old is the first to tell you that she’s more than just NBA four-time champion Shaquille O’Neal’s mom.
“I love my son, but I’m here to talk about Lucille today,” says O’Neal.
The mother of four was the keynote speaker at the annual event. She greeted the audience with smiles and pleasantries. She made us chuckle – at least four times. And she also made us think.
O’Neal talked about being a teen mother, raising Shaq and his siblings, and living for decades as a military wife to her now ex-husband, Phillip.
But more than anything O’Neal talked about her toughest battle to date and the effect it would have on her infamous son.
“I used to drink alcohol. I would use his extra money to buy alcohol, that expensive alcohol. But then people began to know my name and I was embarrassed. I didn’t want to embarrass him.”
Five years ago, O’Neal penned the details of her years of spiritual unrest and mental warfare, and her return to the God of her childhood in her book titled Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go.
Toward the end of her speech, she inspired women to dream big and hold on, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
“My story is a common story but people like to see the change. They see that I’m happy now. I look in the mirror and say, ‘Lucille, you are a designer original.’”
In addition to the keynote speaker, women taking part in the YWCA’s programs also shared the struggles they’ve faced and how the YWCA helped them get back on the path to a successful future.
The YWCA has been a resource for local women and girls since 1883, serving more than 1,000 women and children annually.
