I'm coming back home

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Before I was born, my mother, grandparents, & extended family (STP Hills, Garretts, Archers) utilized the Hallie Q Brown Center as a community resource that supported, encouraged and brought them community. Fast forward to '97, the first time I ever received recognition for my art was during a city wide MLK art competition. Around that time "Two Trains Running" inspired my artistic awakening in performance art at the Penumbra theater. Sprinkle in a bunch of Rondo Days, drill team competitions, & other community gatherings, my love for community was magnified by HQB. In '99 when I grew into basketball stardom, I lead a team for the first time to a championship season, at the King Center. In this season of life, I started running track for ICAA & went to nationals for hurdles. Here is also where I met Jaralyn, also Rondo- She was a friend & I never imagined, we'd start a family together.

The naked eye reading this would think that I am bragging about something that I accomplished. The discerning eye will see a golden thread- Every moment of my existence was shaped by my community. The reality of this, & my awareness of it at a young age now strikes me as wisdom. I started my journey in leadership as a kid, & started my career in service as an adolescent, when it wasn't popular. I was a byproduct of intentional community & that became my life calling. I sit here in awe thinking about what is to come because I can physically touch the people who told me that one day I'm going to lead them. I also can thank the many people that formed my village, which includes my incredible family. I have mentors, role models, elders, and friends here I do not see this next step in my life as a job, or a notch in my career, not a stepping stone, but my DUTY.

I have been, like Esther, prepared for such a time as this. This accomplishment will never be about me but the reason why HQB exists in the first place. I am, because somebody else was. In this role, with this historic organization, I will work to become the "somebody else that was" eager to serve & love and inspire the person who is going to be the "I am".

Expect for me to be human, expect me to make mistakes, & to pursue growth. Expect me to give my all, expect me try my best, & expect me to lead and live with integrity. The mission is important to me and so is the community & its' legacy. But community is not a spectator sport- this is not & will never be the Benny Roberts show. There is already a lot of talent & commitment inside that building and they need to be lead with grace in this season. There's also people reading this who can participate in the flourishing of this wonderful institution. Together, we will carry the legacy on; With new depths because the needs are greater; With new hope, because inspiration & innovation is needed; & in community, because we need each other to thrive.

Peace