As part of our "Throwback Thursday" series, today we feature a photograph that captures more than just a moment; it encapsulates the foundation upon which our campaign stands – the value of "Investing in People". This image takes us back to a day of pure joy and triumph outside the Historic St. John's A.M.E. Church, where my mother, Patricia Clanton, celebrated her graduation from the STOP (Southeastern Transformational Opportunities for People) nursing workforce development program.
Patricia Clanton, a single parent determined to rewrite her story for her three children, exemplifies the very essence of self-determination and perseverance that we hold dear in our campaign. Faced with the challenging decision to forgo traditional high school to raise her first child, me, Carlos Clanton, she later pursued her GED with unwavering resolve. Her subsequent enrollment and graduation from the STOP program was not merely an academic achievement; it was a demonstration of her commitment to provide more for her family and to stand as a living testament to the power of second chances and the spirit of community upliftment.
In the picture, alongside my elated siblings, LaToya and Jermain, we are all smiles, celebrating the fruits of my mother's labor and her embodiment of the values that drive us: service to others and commitment to the community. As we move forward in our campaign for Norfolk City Council, we remember the lessons of my mother's journey. It reminds us of the impact that supportive programs can have on individuals and families striving for a better life.
My mom's journey is a beacon that guides our mission to invest in people, recognizing that every member of our community holds potential that, when nurtured, can lead to transformative outcomes not just for individuals, but for Norfolk as a whole.
In our campaign, "Shaped by Service. Committed to Community.", we are reminded through my mother's story that service is not just about what we can do for the community, but what we can empower the community to do for itself. It's about creating opportunities, just like the STOP program did for Patricia Clanton, for every citizen to realize their potential and contribute to the fabric of our shared home.
Click here to read more about our vision for a community built on the pillars of opportunity and empowerment.
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