Moving to Clarkston

I have some big news: I’m moving to Clarkston, THE most diverse square mile in America; away from the Buckhead glitz and glam I have been accustomed to. No more running into the biggest names in Black Mecca at random. Not gonna lie, Buckhead was sexy…

You know what’s sexier though? Contributing to the development of our people at a time when it’s becoming LAW to use and abuse the forgotten of society. Clarkston is 70% black, among which a HUGE immigrant community. Clarkston is actually one of the largest refugee settlement communities in America. People come here fleeing war and prosecution only to be exposed to a Median Income of $29,000/year; 1 in 2 children living below the poverty line and sadly, the worst school system, etc. Whispering to each other, “THIS is America? Or have we not landed yet?“

I have served in Clarkston for many years. My first time serving there, I was a volunteer interpreter, in my early twenties, still Fresh off the boat. Funny story, they once paired me with a lovely pregnant woman for her OBGYN appointment, but she ONLY spoke Swahili. They must have recorded my languages wrong because I only speak Kinyarwanda and French. The only Swahili I know is from Nyamirambo (Famous Rwandan Hood) but Hey! we managed… Whereas the most recent work we did in the community involved the tragic case of a family whose son had suddenly fallen from work and been in coma for 1 year by the time I was contacted. The employer, knowing these were new immigrants, had not even had the DECENCY to return the man’s phone or ID to his family. We visited the family & connected them to workers compensation attorneys and a claimed was filed.

All this is cute and all, but the time has come for me to live in the community I serve. Because I know too well, “But for the Grace of God, there goes I.” Raise your Monday Coffee Mugs with me & toast to Clarkston, the heart of the Nation! Santé et prospérité. One Love,