Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquan Clemmons.
Hi Raquan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised by a single mom, Shadiyah, in the bustling city of Newark, New Jersey. I’m the oldest of five siblings – Jaiquan, Brian, Damoney, and Sariah. Growing up in Newark, I faced many challenges and uncertainties, but it was also here that I encountered two remarkable individuals who would later play a pivotal role in shaping me into a leader and a proud black man in America. Those individuals were Apostles George and Albertine Johnson.
My journey continued as I made a life-changing decision to move to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. I was a first-generation college student with no financial resources and not much of a concrete plan, except for one burning desire – to change the world. At the tender age of 10, I discovered my love for God and His teachings, and that love has only grown stronger with time.
At 16, I relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where I established my first nonprofit organization, “Voices of Tomorrow.” The main goal was to bridge the gap between the youth and the community, creating an environment of love, guidance, and Christ-like living in urban neighborhoods that were often underfunded and overlooked. This is where my passion for counseling and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was born.
It was also at the age of 16 that I met my current mentors and parent figures, Jamar and Shaun Jenkins. Together, they fostered the clothing brand “Relationship over Religion,” a brand dedicated to pointing people towards Jesus and emphasizing the importance of forming a personal relationship with Christ beyond the practices and norms of religious teachings. As the preacher in me wants to say, “You can be in church every Sunday and not be in God ever.”
Over the next two years, I immersed myself in learning the ins and outs of their business, understanding branding tools, and mastering budgeting systems. Little did I know that this preparation would set the stage for my life at Morehouse.
In the fall of 2022, I embarked on my journey at Morehouse College, and my passion for service continued to flourish. I became deeply involved in on-campus student activities, including the Student Government Association, Residential Hall Association, Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel Assistants Program, the New Jersey Club, and Give Back America. My mission on campus was simple – to be a beacon of light.
During my time in Atlanta, I also became a mentor with the Destined for Greatness Mentorship Organization and a full-time volunteer with Feeding America. This year alone, I’ve accumulated over 530 community service hours in Atlanta. It’s become clear to me that I’m called to a life of service.
Recently, I took on a leadership role at Emerge Church, a place where love is always on the menu. Our mission is to foster meaningful relationships through the love of Christ. If you’re interested, please join us for service at 674 Mount Zion Rd, Jonesboro, Georgia, every Saturday at 11 am and Wednesday at 7:30 pm. We’d love to have you.
My belief is that the only way to change the world we live in is to be the change. This year, I’m thrilled to announce my vision to charter “We Are The Change LLC,” another nonprofit aimed at providing resources to Atlanta’s youth and single parents. My heart has always been drawn to the outcasts, and through this organization, with the support of my financial partners, we will offer scholarships to 10 Atlanta youths every year for the next five years.
If there’s one thing I’d like to leave you with, it’s this: Don’t give up on God because I’m certain and willing to bet money that He won’t give up on you. He’s still able, and remember, I love you!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was raised by a single mom coming from a low-income and abusive house; things were always tight at home. Being the oldest, it was hard managing the latter parts of my life when it came to being a man since I didn’t have one at home to show me how to be one. At a young age in the neighborhood I came from I was exposed to drugs and alcohol it polluted my brain at a young age it convinced me that that’s what life was supposed to look like.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about We Are The Change Non Profit?
“We Are The Change ” is not just another nonprofit organization; it’s a movement, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for transformation in the heart of Atlanta. Rooted in my firm belief that genuine change starts from within and radiates outward, this organization embodies the very essence of being the change we wish to see in the world.
At its core, “We Are The Change ” is dedicated to providing essential resources, mentorship, and educational opportunities to Atlanta’s youth and single parents. The focus is not just on addressing immediate needs but on fostering long-term empowerment. Through the unwavering support of my financial partners, we have embarked on a mission to uplift the underprivileged, the overlooked, and the outcasts of our community.
Scholarship Programs: One of the cornerstones of our initiative is our scholarship program. Every year, we aim to award scholarships to ten deserving Atlanta youths. These scholarships are not merely financial aids; they are investments in the future. By providing access to quality education, we are equipping young minds with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families.
Educational Support: “We Are The Change” goes beyond scholarships. We offer comprehensive educational support programs tailored to the specific needs of our beneficiaries. This support includes tutoring services, mentorship programs, career counseling, and skill development workshops. By nurturing their academic and personal growth, we are empowering these individuals to reach their full potential.
Mentorship and Guidance: We understand the power of mentorship in shaping young lives. Our organization is committed to providing mentorship and guidance to both youths and single parents. Experienced mentors and role models will be paired with individuals who need guidance, support, and encouragement. Through these relationships, we hope to instill confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth in our beneficiaries.
Community Outreach: Community engagement is vital to our mission. “We Are The Change ” actively collaborates with local schools, community centers, and other nonprofits to create a network of support. We organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to address prevalent issues, foster dialogue, and promote positive change within the community.
Holistic Empowerment: Our approach is holistic, recognizing that empowerment extends beyond education. We provide resources for mental health counseling, financial literacy education, and access to healthcare services. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by our beneficiaries, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more secure future.
In essence, “We Are The Change ” is not just about offering a helping hand; it’s about inspiring a sense of purpose and possibility. By nurturing the potential within each individual, we are sowing the seeds of change that will eventually transform not only their lives but also the entire community. Together, we are rewriting narratives, breaking barriers, and creating a future where every young person and single parent has the opportunity to thrive, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t by any means believe it’s been luck. God is so intentional with me. I am who I am today because God wanted it this way, and all things good and bad worked out in my favor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/relationshipoverreligion2/about_details
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam._ra/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iheart.empowerment/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquan-clemmons-692399109/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550643463800
