Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to A Tassy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

A, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

As a young, eager dreamer growing up, my world was shaped by the enchanting voices of science icons like Albert Einstein, Bill Nye, and Carl Sagan, and the thrilling tales of Jeremy Wade on “River Monsters.” The universe of science, learning, and exploration held an irresistible allure on me. I knew deep down that my path would lead me to become a scientist, a marine biologist, an astrophysicist, or an engineer, and I was determined to pursue my dreams relentlessly.

My journey was anything but ordinary. I devoured advanced classes, took part in prestigious Honeywell/NASA science fairs, and even embarked on college courses at Wright State University when I was 15. It was during my high school days that a pivotal moment came to pass.

With a hard working immigrant father and a hardworking, working-class mother, financial hardships often loomed over our lives. But I was determined to make a change. In high school, I excelled, and my efforts didn’t go unnoticed. One day, my guidance counselor summoned me to the office to discuss an internship opportunity on a military base, and my life took an extraordinary turn.

This chance arose from a groundbreaking program that sought out bright, yet marginalized teenagers with skills that could serve the military. At the age of 16, I found myself earning a generous $15 per hour. This financial boost allowed me to contribute to my family, pay for driving school, and even buy my first car. But the real treasure lay in the knowledge I gained.

I immersed myself in the world of electrical engineering, honed my teaching abilities, and conquered new horizons, including mastering the intricacies of building a 3D printer. I delved into the realms of research presentations, tackled the complexities of physics, and danced with calculus. I even ventured into COMSOL, a software for Multiphysics Simulation.

Yet, life is an unpredictable journey, and so is the evolution of one’s values and worldview. A move from aerospace systems to business architecture, a broader education at Wright State, and the exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives sparked a transformation within me. I couldn’t reconcile my newfound understanding of the world with the work I was doing.

Despite the kindness of the people I worked with and the alluring pay and benefits, I couldn’t escape the stark realization that my labor was directly contributing to imperialism. It was a stark truth I couldn’t ignore. My work was fueling the very systems that perpetuated poverty and pollution. That realization weighed heavily on my heart.

The world outside was changing too, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, shining a painful spotlight on the systemic brutality endured by Black individuals, particularly men, children, and trans women. The pandemic was wreaking havoc on my community in Fairborn, Ohio, a town that had once been a sundown town and continued to grapple with a poverty rate that exceeded the national average.

My decision was clear. Instead of allowing my labor to be an instrument of global harm, I chose a different path. I altered my major to African American Studies, and as a result, my contract on the military base came to an end. It was a leap into uncertainty – I sold my car, leaned on friends for shelter, and once again faced the harsh embrace of poverty. Yet, in the midst of this tumult, something incredible was brewing.

I founded my nonprofit, Inclusive Fairborn, and completed my undergraduate degree in African American Studies. My purpose became crystal clear: to alleviate and ultimately eradicate poverty in my city, to educate my community about inclusive, diverse, and indigenized histories, and to fervently work toward a more equitable, safe world. The guiding lights of Angela Davis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Huey P. Newton, Stokely Carmichael, Toni Morrison, and James Baldwin lit my path.

That internship, with all its twists and turns, changed the trajectory of my life. It allowed me to unearth my true passions, my identity, and my power. It wasn’t just a job; it was a profound journey of self-discovery and an awakening to the profound impact one individual can have on their community and the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In the heart of Fairborn, Ohio, at the ripe age of 22, I, a nonbinary activist with roots tracing back to both Haitian, Yoruba, and Irish heritage, embarked on a journey that would defy the shadows of history and challenge the trials of our town. This tale begins with the birth of Inclusive Fairborn, a radiant beacon of equity and empowerment in a place that had been shrouded in the darkness of a former sundown town and saddled with a persistent poverty rate.

Our mission was, and still is, nothing short of revolutionary. We were determined to embrace diversity, instill inclusivity, and ignite love for our neighbors. The result? A historic transformation. I took the bold step of introducing Fairborn’s inaugural Pride event, an event that was more than just a celebration. It was a declaration of love, an embrace of acceptance, and a call for unity. The city recognized the magnitude of this moment and declared Pride Day as an annual citywide celebration, a symbol of progress and acceptance.

Our passion didn’t stop there. In collaboration with the city council and Emmanuel Ministries, we orchestrated Fairborn’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration, celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Our mission is simple, yet profound: to promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity in Fairborn, Ohio, and to address the dire issue of poverty that has gripped our community. We firmly believe in the power of collective action and partnership. While our short-term goals involve expanding our resource delivery program and curating community events, our long-term vision is even more awe-inspiring. We aspire to establish a community center, expand our resource delivery program, create a community fund, host a multitude of consistent and frequent community events, and even collaborate with local Indigenous communities to purchase land and cultivate a food forest for the community.

My journey, driven by a passion for love, inclusivity, and empowerment, exemplifies the boundless potential for change, reminding us all that change is not just possible; it’s inevitable when fueled by love. The tale of Inclusive Fairborn is a testament to the extraordinary impact one individual can have on their community and the world.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

To apply for nonprofit status, a cost of $700, we were able to fundraise through the community. The support we received was outstanding.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn is that things just “are the way they are”. I learned from Angela Davis to “change the things I cannot accept and accept the things I cannot change”. When it comes to my labor, relationships, and community, I make intentional decisions aligned with my worldview and values. At the heart of which are equity and noncereal love for not only myself but neighbors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inclusivefairborn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atheynameda/