Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Dennis.
Hi Hope, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was a church kid born and raised in Gwinnett, but my upbringing was heavily influenced by numerous cultures. Although I am just African American, a descant of American slaves, I was heavily influenced by Haitian culture and Mississippi culture. Growing up in Gwinnett, I have come across klansman and black panthers. Pan Africanists and right-wing extremists. However Gwinnett is a very privileged county, I think when people think of the American dream, we come close to it. With that being said white supremacy is still a raging issue here. Because I grew up in a family that was from down south all graduates from HBCU’s, I was raised in embracing and knowing black history and culture. It was not until I came to college that I realized it was not the norm. Most of my experience with racism growing up came from microagressions and just ignorant racists. It affected my self-love journey but at no point did it hinder my success. This is because I grew up surrounded by black excellence, black leadership, and strong community. My passion for activism comes from being educated. Reading about Malcom X, hearing Angela Davis, and really learning the truth about America and black history is what began my journey. I was about ten years old when Trayvon Martin died and at that point, my fascination with education became a necessity. When his murder George Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges I had to really come to a realization of the struggles of my people. At the time, I hd a brother around the age Trayvon was and it tore me to shreds with fear my brother could be next. It is when things like that happen you start to replay situations and see how it could have been you or a loved one. During all this, I was also beginning ministry.
During my high school years, my focus was ministry because it was not necessary for me to advocate, it was time of becoming more educated now that I was older. I think sometimes pressure can be put on black youth to take on this burden of justice instead being a kid. Especially in my generation, many of us want to save the world when we can’t even save ourselves. But I had a community and family of educated black voices that continued to mentor me and pour into me. By time I went to college, I gave myself permission to speak. I knew activism was a part of who I was in high school but I did not what to do with it. When I arrived on campus at a PWI, I had a culture shock of how privileged I grew up. The systemic racism was a lot more obvious on campus than in Gwinnett. The white supremacy was a lot more bold as well. I believe because I grew up in that safe environment, it gave me the confidence to advocate and push for change even as a freshman. I was able to have a sociological eye to see a difference therefore make a difference. I quickly changed my degree from theology-focused to bridging theology with social justice. As a minister, I have always preached liberation gospel, but when I came to college, I lived out liberation gospel. My activism grew beyond campus and the church when I began organizing. Many people feel that the movement of social uprising was localized in the city, but we were mobile in Gwinnett. I began organizing direct actions and campaigns; to the point we were mobilized almost every week for six months. I came aboard the Gwinnett NAACP as 2nd VP to further my advocacy, all while creating my nonprofit Psalm 82. My faith is the foundation and principles in which I let drive my advocacy. Now I hold numerous leadership positions on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion councils, alongside my previous organization affiliations. I continue to organize and advocate while we strategize for our complete liberation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not, I was pastoring at a church in Tennessee and due to my activism I had to step down. Overall there has been much tension between members of my faith community and I because of the work that I do. I also have had safety issues that people just don’t think about if they aren’t told about it. I was organizing the #ithappensheretoo moment in Gwinnett. We were mobilizing everyday and it did put me as a target. Because I did not have the needed support or safety, I had to re-strategize the movement, but thankfully our goals were met. The mental health toll this works takes on someone is draining. Imagine being in class, the going to work, then going to a protest where you are gassed and shot at with rubber bullets. Then going on social media to even those in your social meilu making you feel like the work you do is never enough. I have set in countless meetings advocating and working for change, and if I am honest you don’t see much fruit from it. I know understand the work we do does not lead to instant gratification, it takes patience and grit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My nonprofit Psalm 82, is a faith-based social justice nonprofit. Inspired by the scripture Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
We are developing a program to fight against mass incarceration. This program will assist formerly incarcerated people adjust back not society. It is also an education organization that helps churches tackle social justice issues and move towards racial reconciliation.
As the 2nd Vice President in the Gwinnett NAACP, I continue to advocate for families who have been victims of police brutality or injustice. I currently am working a case that will lead to a campaign in Gwinnett to protect our black youth. As I continue to strategize campaigns and organize, I continue to be mobilized. Whether that is in Gwinnett, Atlanta, or Nashville, wherever the movement calls me, I answer.
I meet with elected officials and chiefs, whoever will let me in the door. I am proud of the solutions that I have brought forth and I am watching it all come to pass. For me, it is not about being known, it is just about making change. I will continue to advocate and work behind closed doors while change happens on the front end. I am proud of these relationships I have built that allow me to continue to be a part of big discussions because of the work I do. Right now, I am specializing in the Education reform. Along with the protect black youth campaign, I am putting together, I am assisting in the education reform. With CRT and emotional learning, white supremacists are getting bolder in their attempt to oppress black members of Gwinnett County but we are currently fighting against it.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Who can better protect us other than us. COVID expose a lot about how our society works as well as how our country functions. This virus caused for us to lookout for one another and be communal in an unusual way. It is was not for COVID shutting everything down, organizers and activists would to had been able to come together like we did. It was a tragic thing, but good came out of it. We were able to work together, mobilize together and strategize with one another.
Contact Info:
- Email: psalm82inc@gmail.com
Image Credits
For the photo that has the freedom can’t wait shirt the photographer is @ericjordanii on Instagram and the shirt is from @embodiedapparel My main photo was shot by @Walter.sanders_
