Iāve been on the path to this degree for 10 long years and Iāve finally come to the end of this chapter . After my Daddy was killed my freshman year I went thru a set of obstacles that no one couldāve ever prepared me for . Mourning the loss of a parent, watching the other parent battle an illness nobody had answers for, navigating higher education with little to no knowledge of how the systems worked , losing my financial aid to no fault of my own , paying for college out of pocket , starting a career , traveling , starting a family and losing it , ending relationships , financial hardships , growth , loss , love , lessons , etc.
My journey has been one for the books . For years I was tortured by these thoughts and feelings. Feeling like my entire existence was about proving something and getting ācaught upā. Iāve been made fun of for taking 10 years to get my degree , Iāve been shamed for not having my degree and tbh all of that played a huge part of my motivation to finish UNTIL I realized ā¦
My journey is so much more than that . It was so much more than trauma, loss , proving a point , disappointment , etc. it was a story of growth , development , triumph , determination , tenacity , fight , community , and most importantly PURPOSE . My story is mine because Iām the only one that can do what needs to be done with it ! With that being said ā¦
This is for Lil Anthony . This is for Mr. Boo . This is for the little black gay boy outta East Jackson the world didnāt see it for . This is for the ones who were told they wouldnāt and for those that didnāt get the chance to . 10 years, 4 schools, and thousands of dollars later ā¦ MAMA I MADE IT š
#MTSU #MTSUAlumni #TrueBlue #SocialWork #BlackSocialWorkers #NASW #NABSW #BlackGradsMatter #BlackBoyJoy #Classof2023
Love, S3x, and Nina! Let's give flowers to the incredible lineup for this inspired event! Tickets are going fast, so reserve your seat asap (linked in our bio)
Byron Bankhead | (He/Him) | Poet & Performer
A Jackson, TN native, @byron_back is a spoken word artist and social worker who centers Black and LGBTQ+ lived experience through community-engaged art. His work lives at the intersection of vulnerability and resistanceāexploring identity, love, grief, joy, and the tender reality of showing up fully as ourselves. Deeply rooted in collective care, he uses language as a bridge, inviting audiences to feel, reflect, and engage together. An artist whoās sensitive about his shit (in the most Erykah Badu way), he believes vulnerability is power and community is the answer.
We're honored to announce one of our featured co-hosts Byron Bankhead (he/him) a Case Manager with Music City PrEP Clinic, who will lead our Prioritizing Ourselves Activation during our Advocacy and Community Voices Block from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM during Mashup Family Reunion Saturday, Feb 21 at Emerson Hall 2512 Gallatin Ave, Nashville.
MashUp Family Reunion is all about wellness, resources, connection, and Black queer joy that feels like home. Come dance, catch up, meet somebody new, and spend the afternoon surrounded by people who get it. Wellness activations, community care resources, and space to breathe are woven throughout the day ā because joy and care belong in the same room. Bring your kids to the kids zone and enjoy some self care.
RSVP for the FREE & Family Friendly Family Reunion via the link in our bio!
18 years of impact. One mission.
Camp Moon Stone š
YoungBrothers United continues to create space for reflection, leadership, and transformation.
#YoungBrothersUnited #MashUp #CampMoonStone
