Laurel Councilwoman Details Years of Abuse

For Valerie Nicholas, the abuse began when she was eight years old and lasted well into adulthood.

As a child growing up in Roanoke, VA, Nicholas said she suffered physical and sexual abuse from her father's friends. Afraid to report the situation, she said she suffered in silence till she was about 16.

"I would be told I would disappear," she said. "I grew up full of bitterness and anger."

But as an adult, Nicholas, 47, turned her painful past into a platform to help others through her Laurel-based nonprofit Love Is Not Enough, Inc. This week, Nicholas became the first African-American female to She  fills the  by former Councilwoman Gayle Snyder.

Nicholas said she spent more than a decade trying to erase the scars from the abuse she suffered in her childhood. As an adult, she said she landed in one bad relationship after another.

It wasn't until she found herself in a hospital bed after miscarrying her child due to a beating from her boyfriend, that she decided to break the cycle. A 10-year resident of Laurel, Nicholas said she dedicated her life to her faith and helping young women who are in abusive relationships. 

When she is not working as an administrator at a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm, Nicholas spends her time at public speaking engagements sharing her story with students from around Prince George's County. She also penned a self-help book titled What I Learned In Egypt... Nicholas said she relied on her faith to pull her through and help inspire others.

"I can't promise you'll ever get over your issues," she said. "But can assure you, God can help you through it."

And according to Nicholas, a little prayer went a long way in helping her ascend to the Laurel Council.

Nicholas beat out a crowded field of all-male candidates, including a former Laurel councilman. During her candidate interview in front of the council, she stressed her commitment to speaking out against domestic abuse.

And for some, Nicholas is already inspiring women in the city.

"I'm proud to see that she represents black females, certainly the diversity if needed," said Valerie Cunningham, a Laurel resident.

Mike Epps, who also applied to be on the council, said he was a bit surprised she was selected but ultimately believes it shows progress in the city, which, in recent years, has not kept up .

"I'm optimistic," he said. "I think it's a move in the right direction."