Sudbury-born blogger to be recognized at Black Canadian Awards
Karen Lopez says growing up in Sudbury wasn't easy. She says racism was a daily battle, as she was one of the only black girls at her school.
"I was teased. I was bullied," she said. "I didn't have any friends for a long period of time."
The experience not only affected her, but her family as well, as bullies would spray paint the driveway at her home and punctures vehicle tires.
"It was part of a daily experience living in Sudbury."
She later had a lengthy battle with depression.
But Lopez, who now lives in Toronto, decided to open up about her life and experiences in a blog under the name Pepper Brooks.
The blog offers insights into life as a black woman in a smaller community, and how she overcame a lot of struggles.
Lopez is being recognized at the upcoming 2015 Black Canadian Awards for her blog.
"In a lot of ways, this blog is for myself," she explained.
"But I'm hoping to share my story in small pieces so it can help others."
