CLaw was born Cassianne Martina Lawrence in Kingston Jamaica. At the age of 7, she moved to the Cayman Islands to live with her mother and brother. Growing up in Cayman was easy but also very challenging, being a black woman “yes I am going there as it determines and dictates a lot of how CLaw became CLaw.” Growing up in Cayman as a black woman was not easy, I was teased about my skin and my hair as well as my nationality. I was called names such as ching ching which is a blackbird, described to be, black like tar, Tar baby, picky head, black Jamaican and the list goes on.

It may sound funny but as a child having to endure that being described as ugly compared to the light skinned or white females, it was tough. I had a lot of insecurities growing up because of it and still struggle even today at 27 years old.

To mask and hide behind toughness, I started playing sports. I knew I had a talent for it, so I did and I played every sport available to me, making national teams traveling for the country, winning medals and trophies, it was the only way I could escape my insecurities well that and writing.

Writing became a part of me very early in my life but I was too insecure to share it with anyone. Moving to Germany, namely Berlin gave me the platform and the opportunity to showcase my hidden talent. I got my first chance at the poetry meets hip-hop series curated by Jumoke Adeyanju, a brilliant poetess/songstress, and superwoman she has inspired me to walk in my greatness and truth even though she may not know it.

After my first show, I felt alive and knew that writing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started a children’s book series called afro kid three years ago and am just now in the illustrating/publication process, I am working on a poetry book and a multitude of other projects. Twenty-seven years after birth and CLaw being held back because of harsh words that were spoken, I am now in my element and speaking my truth one word, one sentence, one paragraph, one page at a time.

HUMBLED TO RECEIVE MY 20TH AWARD

THE SPIRIT AND PROGRESS OF ANY AND EVERY COMMUNITY, LIVES IN THE HEART OF ITS PEOPLE

I WAS HUMBLED TO RECEIVE MY 20TH AWARD ON FRIDAY THE 4TH OF JANUARY AT THE LEWINSON CENTRE, I65 HIGH STREET LONDON FOR SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK SUPPLEMENTARY SCHOOLS NABSS Awards 2018.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK SUPPLEMENTARY SCHOOLS 2ND  ANNUAL AWARDS TAKES PLACE ON FRIDAY THE 4TH OF JANUARY 2019 AT THE LEWINSON CENTRE , 165 HIGH ROAD, LONDON  NW10 2SG FROM 6PM TO 9.30PM -DO NOT MISS IT

My fellow Citizens of Cross River State,

The year 2018 has come and gone, but has left us with a lot to think about, about ourselves, and our State. We are getting to the 20th anniversary of our democratic experience, preceded by the general elections that will start in the coming weeks.

Considering the firm foundations laid at the beginning of this journey, the high hopes and aspirations we had for our State have not been realised. It is also clear that a considerable number of our people, from Bekwarra to Bakassi, believe that the past three years of the State Government have been marked largely by lost opportunities and disappointment.