he/him

I joined the YYAAC…
…as a way to develop my advocacy skills and connections so that I can share my Black, Queer outlook on political and social events. I want to share the newfound perspective I have after graduating from an HBCU with a degree in Political Science and Community Development. I think my focus on urban planning/community development can bring more depth to conversations of race and policy by adding theories of built environmental discrimination.

I’m most excited about…
…the impact! I have worked with NBJC in the past, as an intern, and as a representative in the community. I am most excited about continuing this work and the impact this work will have on marginalized communities during the global pandemic.

she/her

I joined the YYAAC…
…because I will always be here to answer invitations extended by NBJC Executive Director David Johns. David has long been a mentor of mine [since the White House
Summits on Black LGBTQ Youth in 2016] and his work and the work of NBJC
has allowed me to exist in the ways I do today. I am honored and glad to have the privilege to serve on this council and participate in the exploration of Black queer joy and love. We have a chance to find the keys to thriving and more importantly the ability to share them!

I’m most excited about…
…returning to school this fall semester and to implement the thriving practices that I have learned through the Council. I look forward to engaging my studies with a new lens and to taking my advocacy to the next level.

he/him

I joined the YYAAC…
…because I wanted to join a community of leaders, unlearners, and dreamers of liberation.

I’m most excited about…
…the opportunity to strengthen connections with this newfound community of beautiful Black people who dream, love, and think deeply. Let’s reimagine. Let’s activate. Let’s flip some tables!”

she/her

I joined the YYAAC…
…because my good friend Sage referred me to join the Council. I’ve seen how she’s been able to use the platform provided by NBJC to speak truth to power; to disrupt the negative ideas about members of our community; and to have her creative work viewed by diverse communities. I am excited by these things and look forward to similar opportunities to make positive contributions and grow.

I’m most excited about…
…getting to work with all the wonderful and brilliant people involved in the work. Too often it feels like we’re alone in the world–or in community and I am excited about learning from and about other dope and dynamic leaders in our community.

he/him

I joined the YYAAC…
…because I wanted to find a new and meaningful way of engaging in revolutionary work that is ongoing and understand that NBJC is on the frontlines of advancing meaningful change. I am excited to learn more and to be more meaningfully engaged in this work.

I’m most excited about…
…learning from and growing with all members of the Council and just being in a community which I find very healing. Safe spaces don’t really exist for us, and we need them–like everyone else needs them. I am excited about the space that is being created by NBJC.

she/hers

I joined the YYAAC…
…to learn, grow, build community, and drive positive change with other Black young adults and youth.

I’m most excited about…
…learning from and growing with all members of the Council and just being in community, which I find very healing.

she/her/hers

I joined the YYAAC…
…because I believe in the power of youth advocacy and the voice that we all can have. I attended the first White House Summit on African American LGBTQ Youth in 2016 and have been excited about and have learned from participating in the work of NBJC. I am excited to continue, in this capacity, as a member of the Council.

I’m most excited about…
…having this community of young professionals and scholars to learn and grow together!