08/30/2026
Today, I showed up.
At 8:00 a.m., I started my day with my mentee, a beautiful young Black queen, with one simple intention: to be present.
We began our community service journey through the / Community Service Project at Brookdale Assisted Living.
We played Bingo with the seniors.
We joked.
We laughed.
We cheered when someone won.
And yes, there were prizes! 🎉 The seniors walked away with their play money, big smiles, and hopefully a little more joy than they had when we walked through the door.
It was simple.
But sometimes, the simplest moments hold the most meaning.
For a little while, generations shared a room, shared laughter, and shared joy. And time, for a little while, became the bridge between us.
Then my mentee and I continued our day. We went shopping, talked, laughed, and ended it at the movies.
And somewhere in between it all, I was reminded of what mentorship really means.
It isn't always about having the right words.
Sometimes, it's simply about showing up.
Showing up so she can see what service looks like.
Showing up so she can experience the joy of giving.
Showing up so she knows her time matters.
Because leadership isn't just something we talk about.
It's something we live.
I want her to understand that she doesn't have to wait until she's older, more accomplished, or holding a title to make a difference.
She can start now.
Our young Black queens and kings deserve to see leadership beyond a title: hands willing to serve, hearts willing to listen, and spirits willing to reach back.
There is a word from the Akan people that captures this beautifully: Sankofa — go back and fetch it.
Look behind you.
Honor where you come from.
Reach back for those who came before you.
And carry what you've learned forward.
Because we don't move forward by forgetting where we came from.
We move forward by reaching back.
Today, I chose to show up.
Not because I had to.
Because she matters.
Our elders matter.
Our community matters.
And if I can plant a seed today that teaches her to reach back tomorrow, then perhaps the greatest lesson wasn't something I said.
It was something she experienced.
That's mentorship.
That's service.
That's Sankofa.
That's being the village. đź‘‘đź’š
