Conversations with Eric Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Williams.

Hi Eric, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, you never know what you’ll do with your life and how far you’ll actually go. I’ve always dreamed of being in the spotlight whether that be for my talent or for my intellect; maybe both. I moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia back in 2007 for a second time. I graduated from DeKalb Early College Academy in 2011 with an Associates degree as well as my high school diploma. At the last minute, I chose to go to Savannah State University and had a blast. I later graduated Cum Laude with my Bachelors of Science in 2014 having made life-changing memories. Through trial and error of finding my way, I finally became an AmeriCorps Service Member in 2016 at a wonderful school previously located in Clarkston, Georgia called Georgia Fugees Academy Charter School. For two years, I was able to meet different families from various countries while continuing my goal of making lasting connections. While working here full time, I was able to graduate from Argosy University with a Masters of Public Health degree. This was a wonderful experience for me to learn that I do love working with youth; being a mentor and just a great listening ear.

Eventually, my time ended and I continued being an AmeriCorps Service Member at another location, but things didn’t work out due to a few parents not feeling comfortable with me wearing makeup around their children. I didn’t let this stop me from continuing my work with youth as I was moved to the Clarkston Community Center as the Youth Coordinator. As of now, I’ve been in this position for the past two years – soon to be the Social Media Specialist – providing exceptional youth programming for DeKalb County residents. Since February of 2019, I’ve also worked with my mother to develop a program called Project G.R.A.P.E. (Growing Readily Available Produce Everywhere) under her non-profit, Easton Banks Learning & Life Center, Inc. This program is focused on educating, empowering and elevating youth to know the importance of gardening even in limited green spaces with the hopes of creating a sustainable life and reducing the negative effects of hunger. Next fall, I plan to start my latest journey of receiving my Doctorate in Public Health with a minor in Public Policy and Sociology. Through all of my learning of being a black non-binary queer individual, I’ve come to the realization that I love serving my community and being creative through the development of digital content.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As previously stated, I’ve been demeaned due to my vibrant outward expression with the use of fashion, makeup and my natural aura. That moment of outright mistreatment based on my personal choice of self-expression showed me that I must continue to be my true self no matter what people do or how they feel. I can’t say that it didn’t hurt, because trust me I did cry in my car knowing that I had given my all at that location as an AmeriCorps Service Member. The simple fact of me wearing makeup created an environment of mistrust and disunity with leadership and myself. Currently, I’ll be moving into a new position at the Clarkston Community Center as the Social Media Specialist after the holidays. This is a scary time for me because I’m changing careers and moving away from youth programming in a sense and more into the arena of digital content creation. I’ve been working to increase my following across several different social media platforms which has made the process of shifting careers less stressful and more fulfilling. There are learning curves, but I’m excited with this shift.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As of now, Project G.R.A.P.E. is a work in progress and continues to receive acknowledgement from the local community. Under Easton Banks Learning & Life Center, Inc. I am the Education Specialist which means that I oversee the Project G.R.A.P.E. program. Since 2019, we’ve had partnerships with various non-profit organizations throughout Atlanta which include: Hillside Atlanta, Center for the Visually Impaired, Vine Outreach Ministries, Stephenson Community Angels, Stephenson High School (DeKalb County School District) and Gray Learning Approach STEAM School (G.L.A.S.S.). We have created a community garden located in Stone Mountain, Georgia called the Stephenson Vine Project (SVP) Community Garden as well as being one of the leading forces behind the rejuvenation of the Stephenson High School garden.

Through our programming, youth participants learn how to garden, the different types of gardening and how to use those skills to create a sustainable life. I’m proud to say that we’ve been able to work with over 150+ youth, receive financial support from over six funders, and harvest over 70+ pounds (lbs.) of produce. All of the produce being grown and harvested goes directly back to the youth, their families and other community members. In 2022, Project G.R.A.P.E. will be expanding its reach in the community as well as expanding the size of our current gardens. In the new year of 2022, I will be releasing a new podcast called “The What Now? Podcast” as well as being a co-author for a children’s book called “Sophie’s Garden” which will be released next year. The What Now? Podcast will be focused on hot topics and real-life events in today’s society in relation to the intersectionality of being black and queer.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I currently don’t have a mentor, but with networking in general, I would have to say that you must be genuine in nature. Most of the time people can tell when you have ulterior motives, so it’s best to just be yourself and connect with people naturally. I would also say be interested in what other people have going on and to be a willing partner with others in evenly yolked connections is KEY.

Contact Info:

• Email: williams.ericdevon@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausofebon/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqiNRAg87vZ3MS_1uQf1xOw
• Other: https://ebllcinc.com