An an only-child and a latchkey kid, I had a special relationship with TV. Thanks to syndication, I spent many nights watching old shows on Nick-at-Nite. This was when I fell in love with Mary Tyler Moore. At the time, I didnāt know she incited controversy by insisting on wearing pants on āThe Dick Van Dyke Show,ā or that she started her own production company, or that her self-titled show was the first to feature an independent, single career woman. I knew that she was funny, beautiful and a boss dancer. That a ten-year-old black girl born in the 80s could love āThe Mary Tyler Moore Showā speaks to itās greatness and relatability (along with 29 Emmy Awards). She was the best, a trailblazing inspiration who changed the face of TV. Mary, Mary, Mary, I love you. I really, really do.









