Daily Inspiration: Meet Ka-Santa Sanders

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ka-Santa Sanders.

Ka-Santa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was working with the King Hill Community Development Corporation at the time addressing absentee property owners and vacant properties when I learned about Claudette Colvin and her story. Ms. Colvin, was a 15 year old girl whom was arrested before Rosa Park, and because of that arrest, Ms. Rosa Parks was recognized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, which ignited the organizing of the bus boycott movement. In the “Browder vs Gayle” case Ms. Colvin was a plaintiff, to which was the reason the Bus Boycott ended in 1956. The Bus boycott was and still is a impactful movement, an international symbol for social and civil justice and peace education. Ms. Colvin’s story is a significant piece to that movement and her experiences are valuable for the deserves to be told especially to our youth. Referencing 2013, Since then, I’ve worked with Ms. Colvin’s family, civil rights leaders, numerous national organizations, city officials, and other community leaders and volunteers, to preserve Ms. Colvin’s legacy. With this March 2 is now designated as Claudette Colvin Day. Ms. Colvin has now experienced triumph, Ms. Colvin’s record has since been expunged-releasing her off permanent probation, placing a historical marker in front of her childhood home and now working to restore that home and create a public space to tell her story, through honoring Ms. Colvin and generate revitalization to the community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely has not been an easy task. There have been challenges working with individuals, in elevating people understanding in the vision; working within a community that is plagued with drugs, violence and mental health issues; establishing new relationships, while addressing underlying issues. As we continue to collective to move onward and upward, we remain resilient in impacting lives for success.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently serve as the Director of the Beloved Community Development Corporation Greater Montgomery Area a creative placemaking 501 c3 that address blighted, vacant and abandoned neighborhoods and utilizes arts, history and culture to revitalize those communities. I am proud to be a part of this organization, that creates opportunities to re-build communities through honoring the past, empowering the present and inspiring the future.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how the city has embraced creative placemaking and uses art to bring communities together, to teach citizens about our history, and generate unlimited opportunities for creatives and entrepreneurs to progress and make an impact in their communities.

Contact Info:

• Email: bcdcmgm@gmail.com
• Instagram: Bcdcmgm

Image Credits:
Jacque Chandler Picture This!