From Volunteer to Voice: How My Passion Ignited a Candle
"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness" - Ethel Thompson Overby
In The Beginning
In 2014, I was just a volunteer, lending a hand with the annual Christmas 4 Kids Parade in Richmond, Virginia. Little did I know that experience would be the spark that ignited a lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.
As I traveled through the city's low-income neighborhoods and housing projects, distributing toys and gifts, I was struck by the overwhelming need that surrounded me. The residents' cries for help echoed in my ears, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced every day.
I saw the poverty, the desperation, but more than that, I heard the pleas for assistance. The people were asking for help, but so many didn't know where to turn or who to trust. In that moment, I made a promise to myself. I would be that voice, that lifeline for the people of Richmond.
From Sponsoring to Speaking Out
That promise set me on a new path. I began sponsoring additional initiatives, from back-to-school drives to community parades, always aiming to bring essential resources to the people who needed them most. But I knew that simply providing material support was not enough. The youth of Richmond needed more – more programs, more mentorship, more opportunities to break free from the cycle of poverty and violence that trapped them.
So, I made a conscious effort to stay closely connected with the community. I listened to their stories, their struggles, and their hopes for the future. And as I did, I found my own voice – a powerful instrument for change. So, I started a non-profit with an arts integration supporting and mentoring Northside youth.
A Call to Action
In the years since that fateful parade, I have dedicated myself to advocacy. I have used my platform to shine a light on the issues facing the city's most vulnerable residents, from education to housing to criminal justice reform. And through my powerful words and actions, I have inspired others to join me in the fight for a more just and equitable Richmond.
Advocating for RPS
Since 2016, my dedication to advocacy has sharpened its focus, zeroing in on the mission to demand accountability from Richmond Public Schools and to advocate zealously for our students, teachers, staff, and families who are the heartbeat of our education system. I've come to realize the profound necessity of not just an education, but one that is exceptional in quality and nurturing, a learning sanctuary available to everyone.
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I have aligned myself with our teachers with unwavering conviction, acutely aware that they hold the transformative power necessary to redefine our city's narrative. It is within their grasp to equip our students with the tools for success, not just academically, but as future pillars of our vibrant city. It is because I believe so deeply in this vision that I affirm: our teachers are indispensable architects of a better tomorrow.
A Commitment to Change
As I continue my advocacy work, I carry with me the memory of that first parade, and the promise I made to the people of Richmond all those years ago. And through my unwavering dedication, I am ensuring that their stories, and their potential, will no longer be lost in the shadows.
I may not have all the answers, but I am committed to asking the tough questions, to holding our leaders accountable, and to giving a voice to those who have been marginalized and overlooked. Together, we can create a Richmond that lives up to it's full potential, a city where every child can thrive, and every resident can reach their dreams.