RaRe Talk with Jacqueline: Shunned by Society

Victoria of Ray of Hope Center of the Arts

Tuesday November 16th, Rare Talk had a fantastic interview experience with Victoria. She answered "Why Blair Holt"?

Victoria, with a group of teens with Ray of Hope Center of the Arts, wrote an original stage-play on the life of Blair Holt. He was a Chicago teen and honor roll student who shielded a friend from gunfire. As a result, he lost his life. The play was performed not once, but twice at the great DuSable Museum.

More from Victoria.

I am a minster, a playwright, and artist. I am also, the Founder/Executive Director of Ray of Hope Center of the Arts which is a teen-focused multi-cultural arts organization that uses the arts to transform lives and uplift people. I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts Degree in Applied Professional Learning. My goal is to develop a global activism model that uses the arts to address social issues within inter-generational and multi-cultural contexts with an emphasis on teens.

I have been blessed to work with more than 500 teenagers over the past 5 years and spans back more than 20 years. Much of my life work stems from the fact that I was born to a teenager who was shunned by society. Sadly, the same thing happens today. I believe that teens need that extra push and support to help them develop high expectations for success; it’s their last stop before adulthood. They need encouragement as they seek to know and understand their path in life. I believe we all do.

I encourage each of you to believe God for all you need in your life, and always believe in yourself and what you see for yourself. Embrace the wisdom around you while still being true to yourself. You can make it regardless of your age and your circumstances; you can make it!