photo by Dewayne Murrell
Age: 21
High School/College/Grad School:
Lemoyne Owen College
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Memphis
Current City: Memphis
What’s your favorite saying that relates to your moral compass?
You were born as an original. Don’t die a copy! – John Mason
What’s your favorite thing to do?
I love to sing and write songs. I also enjoy writing poetry and participating in my community as an advocate for youth/young adult rights in reproductive justice and HIV/AIDS.
How are you helping in the community (or in the world)?
I’m the first member of the Elton John Funded, Youth Leadership Initiative-Memphis, current Y-CAB member of Healthy & Free Tennessee, and current member of Magician STEPS program at Lemoyne Owen College. I have traveled while advocating for HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC for AIDS Watch, Tennessee HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on the Hill in Nashville Tenn., and Boston Mass. for Next step/One love.
Who influenced you to be the person you are?
I look to my mentor Dewayne Murrell who has influenced me most to be the best version of myself by pushing me speak for myself, encouraging me to love myself first, and assisting me in becoming the advocate I am today.
Who has helped you along the way (emotionally, financially, job-wise)?
My mentor, Dewayne, has helped me greatly! However, The health team at St. Jude including Chris Sinnock, Brooke Askew, Carla London, Andrea Williams have been there every step of the way.
What brought you to this point in your life?
My dedication to making a difference in my community after self-identifying as bi-sexual and being diagnosed afterwards with HIV.
What’s coming up for you in the near future (school, job, volunteer gig, etc.)?
I will be continuing my education at Lemoyne Owen College in social work and again attending the Tennessee HIV/AIDS Day on the Hill in Nashville.
What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2017?
I hope to accomplish being able to accept more public speaking engagements as I share my life story and change the narrative of what HIV is and who it affects.
What are your long-range goals (could be realistic, could be a dream!)?
Be able to impact lives across the world for positive change by telling my story and eradicating HIV in my generation.
