To my Village,
Two weeks ago, nearly a hundred of you showed up and showed out (both virtually and in-person) to see me wear my heart on my sleeve and present my “Big Idea” worth spreading. Now, I have another big idea to share… THANK YOU.
I have yet to find the words to fully express the amount of healing and love I felt immediately before, after, and the days since giving my TEDxCharleston talk. That big red dot unlocked something within me. It unlocked more of my truth, more confidence in the work God and the ancestors brought me back home to do, and it unlocked a new conversation for folks in Charleston to sit with.
My hope is that my talk also unlocked something within you. You have all played an active role in my village. (As evident by the love you showered me with after the talk!)
From CHS to LA to the CHI to the DMV… Y’all’s presence was FELT!
Now, I ask that all of you take on an active role in another village. One for our most emotionally wounded youth. Healing a generation can’t be done by The Charleston Police Department (nor should it). And I can’t do this work alone. It requires all of us. If it takes a village to raise a child, what you think it’s going to take to save one?
In saying thank you, I have one favor to ask, please answer my call-to-action. You can do so by: 1) Reframing your view on “high-risk youth” (read my reflections on this moments before stepping on stage), and 2) Supporting Credible Messengers and their work.
Specifically, here’s a few ways to be a part of, or support, the village:
- Explore the work of our local Credible Messengers in Charleston
- Donate to my Credible Messenger partners at the Redirect Collective
- Learn about the vital role of Credible Messengers
- Become curious about all of our babies
Your support on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 was indescribable. But there is one word that comes to mind – inspiring. I felt hope walking off that stage. As the world loses its moral compass, I have never felt a stronger sense of direction in my life. And that’s because of you. My tribe. I know I’m not alone in this work. That’s a blessing in and of itself.
Please stay connected. Please keep tabs. Please hold me accountable. And above all, please keep being a part of the village – for me, for my Credible Messengers, and for the babies.
Peace and love,
Rome
