There’s something so full circle about this one. Partnering with a friend I’ve known since we were 14, 15 years old to bring community events to life? That’s not something you plan, that’s something you’re blessed with.
Going on a village walk with The Desta Project, led by founder Agere Teshale, reminded me why I do this work in the first place.
Agere describes Desta as “limitless — a creative hub where our focus is to uplift the Black community. We envision a future where Black folks are not just surviving, but thriving.”
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Agere since we were 14 years old. Two years ago, in one of those funny coincidences life throws at you, we both ended up moving to the Bay Area at the same time. Since then, she’s completed her MPH at Cal Berkeley and poured that same brilliance into building something the community truly needed.
This is exactly what I love doing through Save The Hood First. Being part of community activations, doing the groundwork to connect with community organizers, and showing up as a resource; that’s the heartbeat of it.
I want people to know:
There are safe spaces for you to exist, fully and unapologetically.
There are resources in the community, tailored to your specific needs.
You are not alone in this. The village is real, and it’s here.
Meeting Agere on this walk, seeing what she’s built with Desta, was a reminder that when we invest in each other, we don’t just survive . We thrive.
Save The Hood First and The Desta Project linking up in the Bay is just the beginning. We got so much more coming and I can’t wait to share it with y’all.
Mark your calendars: October 10, we’re bringing a Save The Hood First community event to the Bay Area. Details dropping soon, but just know it’s gonna be good.
Grateful for the people who’ve been in this with me from the jump. Let’s build. 🤎