Shirlene Evans Bridgewater Experience Bridgewater is a former English teacher and editor at Howard University Press. She is also a freelance journalist who has been featured in Essence and Black Enterprise. About Parents Parents, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for trustworthy, empathetic, and supportive information and inspiration for your families. We reach 9 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists, fact checked, and reviewed by our Expert Review Board for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.