Briggette Bardot Stokes was born in Washington, D.C., in December 1958 to Harry Stokes and Helen Scott-Stokes. She grew up during the era of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, experiences that shaped her early outlook on equality, education, and community service. As the fourth of six children, Briggette was raised in Williamston, North Carolina—a town deeply rooted in the Eastern North Carolina Freedom Movement and often referred to as a “little Greensboro” for its role in the struggle for civil rights. Her mother and extended family were actively involved in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), instilling in her a lifelong commitment to justice, education, and empowerment.
Briggette attended E.J. Hayes Elementary School during the years of segregation and later graduated from Williamston High School in 1977. During her youth, she served as a 4-H community leader, participated faithfully in the choir at Back Swamp Church, and admired the resilience of her mother, who as a single parent ensured that her children were engaged in community and academic pursuits. Briggette’s talent and creativity were evident early; she competed in the Miss Elite 20 Pageant in 1973, earning recognition as the Talent Competition winner and second place in the overall pageant. She also performed as a vocalist with “The Dramatics Santana’s of Williamston, NC,” honing her voice under the influence of legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.
She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Augustine’s College (now Saint Augustine’s University) in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1981, and obtained her North Carolina Teacher’s Certification the following year. Briggette devoted more than three decades to education, working in early childhood services, Wake County Public Schools, and Raleigh Parks and Recreation, where she served as a Summer Camp On-Site Director for 14 years.
Her professional path also reflected her entrepreneurial spirit and diverse talents. Drawing from skills passed down by her grandmother, Martha R. Scott, and her mother, she became an accomplished cook and event planner, coordinating weddings, parties, and catering engagements. She co-founded the Cocoa Book Club in the 1990s, fostering a community of women who shared her passion for literature. Alongside her siblings, she also served as CEO of Compassionate Care Mental Health Services, contributing to the growth of a family-run business dedicated to supporting youth and families.
After retiring from education in 2018 with 32 years of service, Briggette continued her commitment to youth and community as a member of the Hope First, LLC Quality Assurance Team, where she currently serves as a Mental Health Documentation Specialist.
Faith has always been central to Briggette’s life. A proud born-again Christian, she has taught Sunday School and Children’s Church at The Glorious Church of Raleigh, NC, and established Just Us BB Ladies, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to uplifting women of all ages. Her family continues to sponsor the annual Stokes Family Back-to-School Drive, reflecting her enduring dedication to service.
Briggette is also pursuing her passion as an author, with her debut book currently in development. Through every stage of her journey—as an educator, leader, businesswoman, and servant of God—she has sought to use her gifts with gratitude and humility.
Website: briggettetheauthor.com