We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kee West a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I was faced with a moment of going for what I desired, knowing that another desired the same as me. There was complete honesty and transparency of what we both wanted. In which, they wanted exactly what I wanted. I hoped in every part of me, that it was for me. So, I stayed diligent, pure of heart, love, and soul, with every good intention, trying and trusting in the Divine focused on my mission, knowing that both a yes and a no were alignment with what they had for me. This risk was scary for me because once you make the move you cannot come back from it. The thoughts of society’s opinion crossed my mind. Once you make that choice the only way is through and everything else that comes with it. However, I chose to not let that stop me. Fear cannot come with me where I am headed. The Divine has always shown me that they won’t leave me hanging. I chose to go for it. It was the best decision I made.
Kee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a student first, mother next, coach, and community advocator, among other things. These interactions led me to my voter educator organization. The understanding my community had about how our government structure and how it impacts us was not really there, and I don’t blame them. My government class in high school was not educational. I had to learn most of it on my own. With that being said, I studied and chose to research. Do the hard work for the people to formulate a clear picture. The goal was to throw us off with a bunch of words we were not taught and have never seen a day in our lives. My org sets out to counteract these knowledge barriers. What sets me apart from others is my willingness to come to the “bad neighborhoods,” which is where I grew up. The projects. Talk to the people hanging at the corner store or park. My neighbors. The people who make America run. The voices mostly ignored. However, these are the people I’m most proud of. The resilience we have to survive and still rise despite these horrid conditions. I only want to aid in connecting those life aspects to the government structures that represent us. The reason why America’s constitution is duplicated around the world and the most influential of all countries.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
This fall semester Pandora’s box opened when I came out about my childhood trauma. I entered a phase that placed so many challenges my way. I got hit from every angle possible. I went from not getting my financial aid to utilities getting cut off, which impacted my studies. My children’s school was placed on a terrorist threat list. The school then treated me like how the threat should have been handled because I chose not to risk their lives and send them to school, which affected their quota. The IRS came to me with some issues that needed to be solved. While still advocating, doing voter outreach, and juggling my children’s skill schedule. To top all that off, my son was admitted to the hospital, and the day he was released, a lady hit us from the back. None of these weapons formed against us prospered. We walked away from that hit Scott free without damaging us or the car. My son is like he was never there. I got the IRS situation alleviated. My teachers worked with me as long as I did the work, which I did. Classes were paid in full with some extra money left over. My children made the move to home school and that was the best decision for us. They are getting the education they need and deserve. The one I didn’t receive. I got to a place of healing as our family started to address the things that tore us apart as kids. Everything was for my good to my spiritual growth and understanding.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation was built on showing up and being there for others helping them carry their burdens. I made time to be at certain community events, made time to be at city hall meetings, school board meetings, and action calls. I chose to be a helping hand so that we all can have a better life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekeewest/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keewest/
- Other: The ER Podcast
https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frichlandstudentmedia.com%2Fkdux%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ_Z2Ly7THfMslUKdX0P7parlCYw3sTbxnc6u7W9fIYD3m-9ZrwEQh60wM_aem_ckrqYiEqCnMJN6NF57s3Iw&e=AT2-3i5VOX1BJEz5Z_EQvD7khx3M92S4LZ8PnSO9QmTVWqxF3B9LR_I6_10xi02YKwjOe4doZcFFEft0-T1YEpazGvyVguFrX31aJBKYAZMNSSjPnmXhZQ
