A famed showman and comic, Steve Harvey is used to the spotlight. Yet on one episode of the show bearing his name, he took a backseat to a real star.
"The story that I’m about to share with you folks is about a real champ, Ieshia Champs," he started. "Graduated from law school. Single mother of 5, her oldest child is 14."
Then came his classic comedy. "She still needs to pass the bar, but hell, if I tried to do what she did, forget about passing the bar. I had to go right into the bar."
Harvey made it clear that this story was to be continued. "Good luck with everything you do and Ieshia, you can expect a call from me shortly. I am looking for you right now!”
A Single Mother’s Sorrowful Story
Little did anyone know at the time the truly harsh details of Champs' life.
Speaking with Yahoo, she recalled how at 7 years old, a family case worker rescued her and her siblings from a drug-filled family home with her mother. The caseworker Gail Covington’s kindness would plant the seeds for what would happen in the future.
“I cried so hard because I missed my familiar surroundings, even though they were horrible. And one day, I woke up in time for school. I actually had a bed to sleep in, and we had brand-new clothes on the floor. It was then that I realized my friends had no idea about this type of life.”
According to ABC, she said that a fire destroyed everything she owned, and she was homeless for a period of time. At one point, she’d even tried taking her own life.
She had experienced homelessness during this period of her life but never missed a beat. In fact, Champs did graduate from Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law, as an assistant county attorney. And as the tassel on top, her graduation photo with her five kids went viral.
Oh, but that was just the start of Champs making headlines.
How Steve Harvey Surprised a Mother of Five
If you know one thing about Steve Harvey, when he sets his mind on something - or someone - he usually gets it. And sure enough, he tracked down Champs and brought her on his show.
After greeting to loud applause, Harvey revealed to Champs what he had in store. No amount of studying could prepare her for this.
“We were so impressed by your story that really inspired so many people and especially in this audience right here today we wanted to give you a graduation gift,” he started.
He was sending her and all of her kids on a five-night, six-day vacation to the Moon Palace, Jamaica, in Ocho Rios.
"You gonna experience the royal treatment world-class, accommodations, spa-treatments," he said, adding, "You gonna be all right, girl."
As a teary Champs hugged him, Harvey said how her kids will enjoy everything from water sports, arcades and teen clubs, as she wept tears of joy.
But like a true showman, Harvey wasn't done yet as he gave Champs 'a small donation' of $10,000 'to kinda help you out.'
How One Strong Mom Proved the Importance of Hard Work
Champs said that she credits her little man David with helping take care of his siblings.
She now plans to specialize in family law and juvenile law, and eventually become a judge. “I feel like with what I’ve been through as a child and in my upbringing, I can probably help some of these juveniles who may feel like there’s no hope for them,” she said.
Harvey said that the recipe is simple. "If you just put some determination with it, man. Amazing things can happen."
And just what's Champs' advice to others like her? “Never give up, do not give up."
While we often think we aren't ready for life's challenges, keep in mind that they're no match for the human will, just as one motivated mom.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.