I am the daughter of two loving parents, Valerie and Willie Richardson, and I come from a long legacy of educators and trailblazers who understood sacrifice and paved the way for generations to come. My history is littered with moments of American history- Tuskegee Airmen, sharecroppers, founders of schools, desegregationists, war heroes, and subjects of the syphilis study. My ancestors were not afraid to lead and live courageously. While not always welcomed, they were diplomatic and fair purveyors of their crafts.
When resources are scarce, you learn how to be resourceful. When they tell you it's impossible, you fight to make the impossible possible. When tragedy strikes, you learn empathy- that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. When systemic issues arise, you learn that that inequity is the slippery slope to bondage, and freedom is bought with love. When corruption rears its head, you learn that representation is not about power, but empowerment. When criticism is aimed at you, you learn that servant leadership is about being all that you are, doing all that you can, with all that you know for all who you can.
I stand on the laurels of the character developed over generations in my family. So when I see something, I say something.
I know I am my grandfather's greatest dream. Now, I am seeking to represent our community, and I intend to hold and propel your dreams of safety, stability, and significance.
