“In this moment in time, these ‘life quakes’ have affected the entire world. We can’t go back to ‘normal.’ We have to create different conditions for children to thrive, for families to work and for there to be equitable communities … What I’ve learned is that we have to lead with the lens of racial equity.”
—Paul Martinez, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

“Whether we realize it or not, we’re actually experiencing racial solidarity through this fellowship.” ~ Fellow Zakiya Summers

“It  starts with knowing your history, knowing exactly  what was stolen from you ”

“Caring  for ourselves starts with introspection and understanding the relationship between our feelings, thoughts and actions.”

All of us, in one way or another, have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis — whether it’s shifting the way we work, changing the services we provide communities, adapting how we connect with friends and family, or experiencing the loss of loved ones. It hasn’t been easy.

“The fellowship has changed the way I think about the needs of my community  because it has widened my view on the world. As a true leader you are not ahead of the pack, you are a part of the group.”

At the WKKF Community Leadership Network all-class gathering in New Mexico, a diverse panel of young people inspired us all with their powerful stories of self-determination and advocacy for their communities.

“The work of change requires a different you. It requires a more clear, more grounded and more certain you – more certain of your capacity, your energy, and your power.”

What can take 10 minutes to build, 10 seconds to destroy and 10 years to rebuild? The answer is trust.

Fellows talk with each other at the Jackson, Mississippi WKKF Community Leadership Network fellows gathering.