Article written by Linda Derry and Clarisa James
In a time where too many of our youth of color are highlighted because of encounters with police brutality, judged by social media clips posted or generalized as the underprivileged and underserved, there is more. Youth of color are often not given the opportunity to be youth and make mistakes while others are forgiven. In addition, there are not enough stories told about Black and Brown youth who are making a difference in their communities.
Linda Derry, a 17 year old youth from Springfield Gardens has been serving her community all of her life, with the support of her parents. On April 17, 2021 Derry hosted a seed/book distribution giveaway at The Garden Of Resilience. Derry was awarded a grant from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation through Youth Service America.
Derry successfully organized forty volunteers to clean up the garden and distributed 155 seed packets. For individuals that did not have access to green space, Derry provided potted soil to start their own small gardens. In addition, the event was supported by Mom’s Who Care Inc. who provide free books for the community and workshop activities. Derry also partnered with Black Village Arts and Jars Of Delight.
In Linda Derry’s own words she share this sentiment about the importance of serving your community and her platform for environmental justice:
I think it is important to serve your community because it is where you live. Serving your community shows how much you care and shows what your community means to you. I have witnessed neighbors helping each other when a car stalled in the middle of the street and even shovelling each other’s sidewalk. As a youth, if you go out and help, adults will notice and assist you too. I try to help when I can, whether taking part in a park clean up, volunteer at a food pantry or assist with a fundraiser. I am grateful so many influential community members supported me at the event and especially Youth Service America, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and DIVAS for Social Justice.
I think the seed distribution was a success because people learned something new. Not only did they gain the knowledge on how to properly weed, but many neighbors even learned that there is a green space right next to them, quite literally in their backyard, that accepts compost. It was also rewarding to see the youth get excited as they selected their vegetable seeds and talk about how they were going to grow their own gardens.
My hope is that my community becomes like family, that we are able to support each and be there for each other whenever we need to be. I also want my community to feel like a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in it.
Local elected officials, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson, District Leader Fay Hill and Senator James Sanders celebrated Derry’s community event and praised her dedication to serving.
