RoLanda Wilkins wants the girls and young women in her community to grow up healthy, with a sense of purpose and promise for their future. She recognizes that some of these young folks struggle to get on the right footing. They face barriers, not the least of which is the lingering impact of the 1980s and ’90s crack epidemic on black families. Wilkins was a teenager in Meadowview in that era.
In adulthood, Wilkins founded Earth Mama Healing, a nonprofit organization that empowers young women with skills, history lessons and opportunities to connect with other black girls. In the summer months, she takes a group of girls and young women on a cross-country road trip to learn about their history through travel. During the school year, she facilitates conversations about life, family, trauma and healing with female students at schools like Luther Burbank High School.
The next episode of the CapRadio podcast Making Meadowview, you’ll hear from Wilkins about her work and her approach. That episode launches tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 7. We’re previewing the full episode today on Insight.