Happy New Year – 2020 was surely a wild ride! Certainly not the year that most of us expected and definitely not the year we wanted. As I write this, there is still justice to be served, rest to be taken, love to be found, and purpose to be fulfilled. We have so many things to look forward to this year. YWCA St. Paul will continue to live out its mission and commitment to racial and gender equity. Soon enough, we’ll be welcoming the newest members to the Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet. Our youth programs will be launching opportunities for youth leaders to engage civically – learning about clean energy, advocacy, community organizing, identity-driven leadership, and so much more.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we must be gentle and gracious to ourselves. We must do more of the things that bring us joy. We must bring all of who we are into every room, virtual or otherwise. This new year presents us with an opportunity to release our fears and stand boldly in our truth. I hope the clarity gained in 2020 is manifested and brought forth throughout the year. In the words of Aya Chebbi, “Find your identity, your true self and live your mission … Your power is your radical self. Find it!”
Question: How will you embrace your radical self in 2021?
Contributor: La’Shante Grigsby, Youth Programs Manager