I'm a former resident of Flint, Michigan, born and raised. My grandmother fought to keep me off the streets so I could have the best chance to succeed. However, I know how it feels to be an afterthought. My grandmother encouraged me to finish school before she died. With the help of publicity from my plight with honelessness, and over $23,000 being raised for me, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University.
I've since created opportunities to push for mental health awareness, affordable housing, and for voices to be heard. I was devastated by the 2016 election, but not surprised. My experience as a hopeless teenager in Flint foreshadowed the direction the country was going. I didn't have the courage to stand up for myself then, but I intend to stand up for myself and others in the future.
Let's be frank. We don't have time for a radicalized right setting us and future generations behind. We need to give ourselves the best opportunity to succeed, and I want to be a part of that new direction.
