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In the heart of Oregon, a new initiative is taking root, one that seeks to highlight the presence and contributions of Black individuals in rural communities. Spearheaded by LaNicia Duke, the founder of Humble Beginnings, this initiative is a testament to the resilience and social capital inherent in rural communities.
LaNicia Duke, a Southern California native, is no stranger to the struggles of marginalized communities. Raised in the oldest black-established church in Los Angeles, founded by a former slave, Duke carries the legacy of her ancestors with her. She is a strong advocate for community empowerment and believes in the power of education to help individuals harness their potential.
Her organization, Humble Beginnings, was conceived towards the end of 2020 and the start of 2021. It aims to shed light on the fact that Black people live and thrive in rural communities throughout Oregon. These communities, according to Duke, possess a wealth of social capital and demonstrate an admirable spirit of unity, especially when systems fail them.
Duke’s perspective on racism is global. She acknowledges Oregon’s unique history of integrating racism into its governance but insists that racism is not exclusive to Oregon. It is a global issue that needs to be addressed collectively.
In her work, Duke has observed that the divide between rural and urban dwellers often surpasses the racial divide. She believes that understanding and addressing this divide is crucial to helping rural residents across Oregon thrive. She emphasizes the importance of being respectful and sensitive to the unique experiences and challenges of rural communities, and she is committed to bridging this gap through her work.
Duke’s approach to politics is equally inclusive. She has been a non-affiliated voter in Oregon for most of her time in the state. She believes that most community issues cannot be classified as red or blue, and the systemic issues we face are a product of a system built for a different world.
At the core of Duke’s work is her faith and the Love Coalition, an initiative that encourages individuals to grow in relationship with each other. It’s a choice, she says, that we get to make at any given moment. It starts with acknowledging our imperfections and extends to fostering healthier relationships with ourselves and others.
Duke encourages individuals to look inward and find places of stillness, even if it’s uncomfortable. She believes that this introspection, coupled with the natural beauty of Oregon, can help individuals find peace within themselves and contribute to creating a better world.
For those interested in supporting Duke’s work or getting involved with the Love Coalition, she can be reached via email at lduke@blackruralnetwork.org, or through her social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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