I love the idea of our group. I think it’s so important for us, as people, to express ourselves to one another. I want each of us to understand our peace and justice journey.
I’ve always been quiet and soft-spoken, yet a community person. My father was a people-person, and I followed in his footsteps. I have volunteered within the school system, mobilized neighbors, and we built relationships with one another through neighborhood clean-ups.
In Baltimore, on October 28th, 2008, my son, Dale, was killed in yet another officer-involved shooting. Dale was 29 years old—and the father of two daughters (my granddaughters) who are precious to me.
While this event shattered my world, it also gave me my voice.
Since that time, I have met many family members and mothers who have lost their children in this way. This has also led me to work on the front lines against gun violence in our country. My granddaughters are very supportive of the work I do in community.
I joined Weave because I value stories of why people have passion for community. I have wanted to meet people like me and to share ideas for healing in our neighborhoods. My journey is for health and wellness, and I want to be an inspiration. I want people to know our voices matter! We need to care about where we live before others come into our community to tell us what we need.
When we gain peace, we gain wellness together that boosts our health. We develop a spirit of forgiveness, and we find a way to move forward. We understand the things we can’t change. When we become a mirror for change, people can look at our example and adopt our healthy choices.
I want us to share our stories, to let one another know we’re not alone in our struggle. Being peaceful helps us on our path to healthy thinking and living. I want to get to know people in our community so that we can motivate each other and build a stronger world. #LoveWins