Hi, Friends!

Thank you for taking a moment to stop by and explore The Darken Choices.

You might be wondering what the title means—and how it came to be. I promise I’ll get there, but first, I ask a small favor:

Sit back. Breathe. Center yourself.

Allow yourself to experience me and the story behind The Darken Choices.

My name is Eryck Rahsaan Dillard—a proud son, brother, cousin, and friend to some truly special people. I’m also a proud New Orleanian, where we’ll celebrate a holiday even if it falls on a Tuesday (especially if it’s Mardi Gras). While the rest of the world is working, studying, or stressing—we’re celebrating life.

I was born in 1993, gifted with two loving parents, the late Donielle Rotasha Dillard and Errick Melvin Johnson. They loved me with everything they had and gave me a life they never had. As a child—what folks might call “spoiled”—I never wanted for anything.

Some of my favorite memories come from Saturday mornings at my grandmother’s (Bubbie’s) house, Robin Darlene Jackson. The hum of lawn mowers outside. The smell of her famous cheese grits, scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits filling the air. Now, I know you’re thinking, “That sounds like a normal breakfast.” And sure—it might be.
But listen… I don’t play about my Bubbie’s cooking.
So say it with me: “Bubbie’s famous breakfast is the best globally.”
Thank you. We good? Great.

As I was saying—lol—younger Eryck was full of joy, laughter, and could talk a hole straight through someone’s head (confirmed by many). He loved singing Disney Channel songs, choreographing dances with his little cousin Princess Ann-Marie Carter, and skating—rollerblading through the neighborhood like he owned it.

And early on, he learned there was something about this “Jesus” guy that just stuck. Maybe it was Vacation Bible School, youth choir performances, or community service—who knows? Whatever it was, it held on tight.

He led with essence in every room he stepped into throughout his childhood.

The end.

…Or so we thought.

While I’m deeply grateful for the love and support of my parents, family, and community, one might assume this story followed a familiar path: star student, no trouble with the law, consistently healthy decisions, the love of his life, two kids, a dog, and a white picket fence.

But as you’ve probably gathered by now—
That’s not how this story goes.

This is my attempt to share my truth through The Darken Choices and all the outcomes.