Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clianda Florence. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Clianda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Literacy is our greatest social Justice issue of our time and it’s not being talked about where the family is centered, seen, and provided tools to be a bridge between home and school. Literacy is life changing and life saving. An African Proverb reminds us “ it takes a village to raise a child”; but if the village is void of the tools and resources it needs to aid in the warmth and growth of the child we will experience another proverb “ the child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” I believe we as a nation, state, city , and community have had enough of the burning and look to off liberation !
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.
My name is Clianda Florence , I’m a mother of three children Brianda, Ian and Malachi . I am a recent self published author and reside in Rochester, New York. I have served within the field of education since 2004 .I am one of the Co-Executive Directors at PiRI(Partners in Restorative Initiatives). I am also the Founder & CEO of Strength 2 Say where I offer classes, book studies, and professional development opportunities. I am the Founder & CEO of Let’s Get L.I.T. (Liberating Individuals Through Literary Texts) where I work to restore joy, hope, and love for children and parents on their literary journey by providing resources, book clubs, building home libraries , bridging the gap between school & home, and teaching cursive. I believe literacy is our Greatest Social Justice Issue of our time. Literacy is life-changing and lifesaving!
When I reflect on what moved me into the direction of literacy it was the liberation praxis my grandfather the late Minister Franklin Florence laid for me. Gleaming from his Civil Rights work in Rochester, NY standing up to powerhouses like Kodak during the 60’s , being a Minister, creating opportunities for those who were marginalized while speaking truth to power, compelled me to begin my journey in education . I’ve always witnessed literacy in action when I witnessed my Nana, Grandmother, and Parents advocating for others, observing meetings as a child, attending marches, and speaking publicly myself.
One of my mantras are “ If not you , then who?” I began my journey understanding how people think , what causes the vast reaction and decisions made by completing my degree in Psychology from Bennett College for Women. I later experienced for myself many parents who are struggling in this thing called life as they try their best to provide for their children but find it hard to advocate and I slowly became their voice. Later realizing I must reach back to my students and families by equipping them with the tools and words they need to tell their stories.
I could not stop there , my lived experiences coupled with my vast teaching and leading experiences compelled me to apply to the Warner School at the University of Rochester to obtain my doctorate. That is what birthed Let’s Get L.I.T. ! Writing that paper for my consideration for an interview sparked a fire in me not knowing that was the birth of my legacy!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I think about this journey called life a few moments came flooding to my mind . As we go on my resilience journey remember LLC(Liberation, Legacy, Change).
Liberation: In 2020 at the height of COVID-19 my children and I were forced out our home by a privileged slum lord on the coldest day in December with the assistance of police. So many from the community came out to stand against this unjust way to cure the real issue. As I prepared to be arrested I reminded my three children if they don’t stand for something they will fall for anything! God will provide for us, know that we must stand because many are unsure how to. If not you then who? Assemblymen Demond Meeks also came to show support and was also arrested. Due to our collective standing the rent moratorium went into place. When you think of one who is liberated they must have stable and affordable housing. Many wonder why many of our children struggle and I would say being forced to be nomadic! This turn on my journey although was for what was right afforded feelings of loneliness, homelessness, loosing things , separation from my children, having to read very harsh lies told about me. But at the same time I found a new sense of myself and my voice. I saw the Greatness that is in me and God brought the right people to aid me at certain weak moments.
Legacy: In 2022 and 2023 I lost two important pillars in my life. My Nana Ms. Dorothy Harris was my rock, my rider ; someone I can depend on and go to no matter what. Sadly in June of 2022 she passed. One year later my grandfather Minister Franklin Florence passed on February 1. He showed me the importance of standing and fighting the good fight. Speaking truth to power as he did in the 60’s when he went up against a global giant Kodak. Two years before his passing during one of our many conversations, he asked me had I thought about applying to the U of R for my doctorate. I laughed and told him of all the things I had going on. I’m his quiet yet serious tone he said “ your time is now!” I prayed about it, applied and was accepted. Before his passed he shared with me how proud he was and he would not be around to watch me finish the many races I am running and the ones I have yet to , but to finish what I start !
Change: As a result of my journey thus far I would say I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey ! As I look back I realized if I had not traveled and experienced what I have I would not have created Let’s Get L.I.T. 🔥, began a podcast on WDKX called Lets’s Get L.I.T. , spoke at numerous colleges and conferences, and be the agent of change!
Have you ever had to pivot?
There was a time that I was in the field of education , teaching and I experienced great racial desegregation. As I went in open-minded I was also wise as a serpent, while being harmless as a dove. I began to document everything! As time went on I sat and asked God to give me direction and what step I should take. As time went on and I spoke truth to power I realized I needed to do more, be more, have a greater impact . Greatness is within me and it’s time for Greatness to come forth!
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561478947457&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clianda-florence-52b788299?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: Clianda Florence on FacebookLet’s Get L.I.T. Podcast
https://wdkx.com/podcast/the-get-l-i-t-podcast-liberating-individuals-through-literary-texts-ep-8/
Image Credits
Fred Tankly Studio 147 Photography