Fumbling Toward Purpose
This month, I had the honor of being interviewed by a creative and talented past intern of mine (Iyore Iyamu) as part of her capstone project at FAMU’s School of Journalism. We spoke about my work at the Innocence Project of Florida, what drew me to it, and my ultimate vision for this work. These were big questions, and in the moment, I probably only answered parts of them, as some pieces of my journey have felt uncertain and are still unfolding.
After the microphones were turned off and I reflected on what I said or could have said better, one thought lingered: how many mistakes I’ve made that somehow still led me closer to what I believe I’m here to do. In many ways, I’ve fumbled toward my purpose by divine grace. Over time, I’ve come to realize that moments I once thought were missteps or detours were actually essential, each challenge, each uncertainty, part of the larger picture.
Just this year, I made a connection that felt like an epiphany. A dear friend of mine (Dondre Lewis), who passed away eight years ago, once wrote my name on his law school acceptance letter after spending months studying for the LSAT and then putting in applications. A year older than me, he was figuring things out and making decisions that, at the time, felt worlds apart from where I was and what I knew about myself. And yet, him scribbling my name next to his felt like a direction, as if he was quietly pointing me toward something he had already begun to understand. His passing was and still is crushing, and yet he still feels close. I can’t help but think he’d be proud to see where I’ve stumbled toward today. Without even realizing it, his love may have been one of the quiet forces guiding me here.
During the interview, I did manage to remember to tell Iyore my belief that storytelling is vital to our survival. There is space, and a real need, for creativity and innovation in nonprofit work. In the two and a half years I’ve been in my role, I’ve seen measurable growth in myself and my work simply because I had the audacity and support to try things. If we’re going to survive and respond meaningfully to the world we live in and everything that we are up against, we must commit to one another and to creativity, innovation, and courage, especially when it comes to solving social problems.
My belief in the power of storytelling is due to so many who have come before me and have shaped my commitment to this work through their lives. Nearly a decade ago, I first read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. That book brought me to my knees, and somehow lifted me up at the same time. In many ways, that book is also what brought me to the work I do now and hope to continue to grow deeper in my resolve. Bryan’s words remind me of the power of storytelling with purpose, to challenge, to heal, and to move people toward justice and hope.
When Iyore asked what I wanted to be remembered for in my work, I didn’t expect the question. But my mind went immediately to the women who poured their love, faith, and hope into me after migrating from Jamaica to the U.S. with a vision of freedom and evolution. Everything I am, and all I aspire to be, is because of their fierce love, and I hope my work will be a reflection of that legacy.
Saskiya (L) and, Iyore (R) on set