Rooted in Richness: How Cultural Identity and Community Shaped My Voice
My journey through cultural identity and community has been one of discovery, connection, and pride. From growing up in Brooklyn’s melting pot of cultures to learning about my family’s Southern and Panamanian roots, every experience has shaped the person I am today.
No Fear
On January 20th, President-elect Donald Trump was inducted into office—a day that also coincided with the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The juxtaposition of these events was unsettling and stirred a deep concern within me for our country and its future. The weight of it feels heavy, but I’ve come to recognize what fuels much of this nation: power, money, and dominance. And for those who live far beneath the reach of these forces, life can feel impossibly difficult, as though clawing out of the depths is nearly impossible.
No Pressure
Circumstances beyond our control can stall our progress, leaving us frustrated or overwhelmed. Still, we insist on lifting the heavy weight of our ambitions, carrying the pressure to make every item on our list a reality.