In 2020, as the world was gripped by the tragic killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and others, I found myself called to action in ways I hadn’t anticipated. That May, I was contacted to help organize a peaceful march in Oxnard after the devastating video of Ahmaud Arbery’s killing circulated. In June, I was asked by Jordan Ward to be a panelist for a critical conversation with law enforcement, the city manager, and our community in response to the heartbreaking death of George Floyd.

As we organized, discussed, and marched, it became clear that this movement wasn’t just about the moment. It was about long-lasting change. In August of 2020, Jordan and I hosted a community discussion called "Policing Our People," aimed at equipping our community with the tools to engage with law enforcement while also highlighting voices from law enforcement, mental health experts, and survivors of police brutality. By September, we led another vital conversation about "Black Crime," a difficult yet necessary exploration into the roots of crime in the Black community, featuring diverse voices from financial advisors to former gang members.

These events weren’t just about raising awareness; they were about building bridges, creating platforms for understanding, and laying the foundation for change. As we continued, I realized we needed more than just discussions. We needed a place for our community to call home—somewhere to come together, heal, and receive the support they need in areas like child support, probation, job services, young adult counseling and court appearance support.

This vision led me to take the next step: creating a nonprofit organization (PROJECT50) dedicated to serving the Black community. It’s more than an organization—it’s a home. A place where we uplift each other, access resources, and empower ourselves to thrive despite the challenges we face. From advocacy to education and community-building, PROJECT50 is designed to be a beacon of hope and a source of strength.

With PROJECT50, we will continue the work we started in 2020, turning pain into purpose and ensuring that every member of our BLACK community has access to the programs, guidance, and support they need to succeed.

This is our time, and this is our movement. Together, we are building something that will last for generations.