Honoring My Uncle's Legacy: A Story of Resilience and Community

Thirteen years ago, on the first day of my sophomore year, my life changed in a way I could never have imagined. My mom, just a month after giving birth to my younger sister, arrived at my school. The journey from the back portables of Trinity High School to the front office was filled with phone calls from family, each one building my anxiety, each one adding to my fear. My nana had recently survived a critical cancer surgery, and I was terrified something had gone wrong. But as I walked toward my mom, her puffy eyes told a different story. "Your uncle Chip passed away," she whispered as she held me close.

My uncle was more than family; he was an anchor, a father figure, and a guiding light for us all. He dedicated his life to his community, a firm believer in the truth that "we need each other." Though he was taken from us, his spirit remains alive in the lives of everyone he touched. The love and strength he shared with us created a foundation for our family and shaped the very core of who I am.

The past thirteen years have been a journey of healing and purpose. My family has endured so much—losses and births, hope and heartbreak. And through it all, I’ve been reminded of the resilience that lives within us. We carry on, honoring my uncle’s legacy by striving to uplift and empower our communities, to build spaces of belonging, and to ensure that his dedication to unity is never forgotten.

Every day at The Clearing Community Center, I strive to build a world where people can live in fullness and freedom—a world that my uncle would be proud of. This story, his story, is my “why.” It’s the reason I push forward, even in moments of despair. My uncle’s memory lives on in everything we do, and we continue to build this vision of community and justice with his spirit as our guide.

Call to Action: Join us at The Clearing Community Center, a place dedicated to community, healing, and resilience. Together, we’ll honor the legacy of those who came before us, building a brighter future for generations to come.