Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Access Hollywood Asks Jenee Darden about Dad Chris Darden's Rumored Affair With Marcia Clark

Are we really going there? 

This is how conversations usually go when people figure out I'm related to "that Darden":

--Are you related to the bald guy from the O.J. Trial?

--Wow. Do you think O.J. did it?

--So, did your dad hook up with Marcia Clark?

Since people seem to be interested in whether I know my father's sexual history, I ask them about who their parents slept with. Apparently people don't like to talk about their parents' sex lives because they change the conversation quick. LOL! Mind you, adults asked me this question even when I was a teenager.

I share this because people were impressed with how I responded to that question during the Access Hollywood interview. I'm used to it after 20+ years. Being older helps because I handle it better.

I'm glad my interview with Access Hollywood turned out so well and they gave me a space to share my story. Check me out around 2:15. I also touched upon the hardships my father and family faced.
This is my first national, television interview. For that reason, Access Hollywood holds a special place in my media heart. Like Sade once said, "It's never as good as the first time."

As for whether my father and Marcia were seeing each other, I asked my dad during a car ride around the time of the trial.  He said no. In other interviews, he won't confirm or deny the rumors. I told Access Hollywood, "That's grown folks' business" because I was a kid at the time. And you know what? It's still none of my business.





Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 3, 2016 at 7:42 AM

    Thank you for sharing your version of this fascinating and heart breaking story. You are being so kind to everyone involved and I'm so very sorry that your father (and by extension, your family) went through the ridiculous public stoning just for trying to do the right thing.

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    1. Jenee DardenMarch 3, 2016 at 3:02 PM

      Thanks for watching my interview and having compassion for what we all endured.

      Delete
  2. LGMarch 9, 2016 at 5:40 PM

    It's painful to relive this trial from my end. I don't know how anyone on your fathers team held up with such dignity though the bullshit, we the audience saw. Still SMH all these years later, I can really appreciate what he and Ms Clark did against the odds.

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    1. Jenee DardenMarch 10, 2016 at 3:08 AM

      I'm amazed that they survived the bullshit and craziness too. I couldn't imagine being under so much scrutiny, 7 days a week for a year. Thank you for the support.

      Delete
  3. Susanna D.March 10, 2016 at 6:10 PM

    No child, no matter their age, should be asked THAT question, let alone the multitudes of other inappropriate questions you receive. I was a young mother back in the '90's, and I feel such compassion still, especially now, with the airing of the series. You, and your father, possess such dignity, strength and grace in the face of rudeness and nastiness ~ I do not believe I could be as strong. Continued success, and thank you for sharing as you do. Your writing is captivating!

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    1. Jenee DardenMarch 10, 2016 at 7:15 PM

      Thank you, I agree the question is not appropriate for any age. But I handle it much better than I did when I was younger, which is why I kept quiet. Thank you for your kindness and for reading my work.

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 2, 2016 at 9:18 PM

      Please keep writing! You have style, and great substance. :) Take good care, Susanna

      Delete
    3. Jenee DardenApril 6, 2016 at 11:53 PM

      Thank you so much Susanna! I will keep writing.

      Delete
  4. UnknownMarch 10, 2016 at 8:08 PM

    Your father is a good strong man. And he did the right thing!if someone asked me if he is my dad. I would say dam right he is and I am dam proud of it

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  5. UnknownMarch 11, 2016 at 8:43 AM

    There's only one race.
    THE HUMAN RACE!

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    1. Jenee DardenMarch 11, 2016 at 4:53 PM

      We are all part of the human race. But I thinks it's okay to recognize someone of another race as long as you don't attach a negative opinion of them because of their race or culture.

      Delete
  6. dhMarch 13, 2016 at 5:15 PM

    Thank you for this blog!

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  7. LauraMarch 16, 2016 at 6:35 AM

    Your dad must be incredibly proud of you. Good for you for standing up for him and for yourself.

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    1. Jenee DardenMarch 18, 2016 at 12:54 AM

      Thank you Laura. He is very proud, especially of the LA Times article I wrote. Sharing my story has been therapeutic.

      Delete

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