Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Duggins.
Hi Regina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, NY. I am the youngest of six. My dad was murdered when I was 3 years old on Valentine’s Day which left my mom to become the strongest woman I’ve ever met. By the age of 12, I was a two-time rape survivor, which I strongly believe that what doesn’t kill you, can only make you stronger. After those encounters, I wanted to get involved within my community with the hopes to make a difference for younger female, so they wouldn’t have to endure what I experienced at such a young age. I started a dance group for girls called “New York Styles”; based out of my apartment. I then became further focused in wanting change for my community, so at the age of 16, I was asked to be my building’s Tenants Association Youth President. I immediately assisted with planning social events and block parties. I continued this passion for my community even while attending college. Eventually, my expertise in building community awarded me to becoming my college’s Student Government President as well as The President of Student Organization for Ethnic Diversity (SOED).
This began my journey to finding my voice. I would write and recite poetry as my way of speaking out on matters of the heart such as racial injustices, LGBTQ+ concerns, feminism, and colorism. These early beginnings have led me to where I am today. I am currently a Charleston County Constituent Board Member and Founder/President of Charleston (SC) Black Pride an LGBTQ+ of Color organization in support of cultivating the community through social, community outreach, educational, financial, and spiritual interactions. I am a strong advocate that Representation Matters while together to give voice to the voiceless people within my community.
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 hasn’t been an easy path overall especially moving to Charleston, SC in 20210 due in part of me being a transplant and boisterous lesbian from Brooklyn, NY. Even though my ancestral roots on both of my parent’s sides reside in a small rural town of St George, SC. While living in Brooklyn, NY; I’ve also many challenges for being an openly proud Black lesbian woman. I was often told that I should be discrete about my gay relationships or encounters, especially while residing in the “Bible Belt South” aka “The Holy City” (coined the phrase in Charleston, SC due to its’ skyline designed with many rooftops and steeples from churches) being an openly gay individual would cause lots of scrutiny. Once, I started to live and walk in my truth; the struggle hasn’t been as challenging as some would say. I stay true to my convictions, and I promote the necessities of having more safe spaces throughout our communities and schools for our younger generation of LGBTQ individuals. Being a voice for the voiceless people; I found that there is a strong need for leaders who aren’t afraid to share their stories of why we need to let LGBTQ+ love win.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a middle school reading Interventionist. I enjoy teaching students how to become avid readers. Being an avid reader, I believe that it would help to assist students to understand and become more familiar with the world that we live in. Reading is power. Reading is fundamental. Reading is empowering and invigorating. I am also the Founder of Charleston Black Pride. An Organization for LGBTQ+ individuals of Color. I am a three-time self-published author and poet. My books are entitled “Black Magic”, “Black Coffee; No Sugar, No Cream, and my latest fiction book “New York Styles, What Time Is It?” These books express in written form the true essence of living and loving the skin you are in. What I am most proud of is being a servant leader. Being able to stand up, cultivate, elevate, empower, and engage my community into growth. Even though some days the road might not seem easy, I’m still driven to want to create change especially for our next generation. I am also proud to have raised five of my nieces and nephews who I raised as my children. They have helped me to become the person I am today. One of my nephew’s/sons has autism and he’s non-verbal. I am his advocate and I work hard to make sure he receives the services and level of care that he is supposed to be provided. Daquin has inspired me to fulfill my obligation to obtaining a master’s degree in Special Education. I wanted to better understand him and the system that was designed to protect him and special needs. My gentle giant has taught me many interesting things throughout my life as well as many others have taught me how to understand the power of unconditional love.
What sets me apart from others is that I am genuine. I am outspoken and I have a caring heart. I have oftentimes been told that o where my heart on my sleeve. I love to advocate for those who feel like their voice doesn’t matter.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I would describe myself as a hardworking and driven individual. I have always been a very outspoken, smart, and far beyond my years person. I continue to advocate for change and the true essence of unconditional love. My mission has been trying to provide safe environments for the children that I service. and to make sure that there is a strong understanding of the value allowing “a kid to just being a kid.” I never felt I was poor growing up because even though I was raised by a single mom, my siblings and I always felt that we were rich on love that was graciously provided from our mother. I love to make people laugh, I love to dance and to host community events and house parties. Learning new things and being a music lover are some of my greatest attributes. I have always felt that music has been the soundtrack of my life. I grew up listening to R&B, Reggae, and Gospel music which had often played throughout my house. Music has been very therapeutic for me. I l also enjoy attending church services and embracing my Baptist religion.
Pricing:
- Public Speaking/Motivational Speaker $300.00
- Life Coach $250.00-$300.00
Contact Info:
- Email: Reginaduggins77@gmail.com
- Website: www.CharlestonBlackPride.org
- Instagram: Charleston Black Pride
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regina.duggins.75
