A Legacy of Resistance: Faith, Struggle, and the Fight for Freedom
Throughout the tempest of personal trials, against a relentless wave of resistance, I have found my way to fight—not in loud confrontations or overt protests—but in a quiet, steadfast resilience that is built on a singular, unshakeable truth: I am walking in God’s plan for my life, and nothing—no system, no individual, no institution—can derail it.
Minnesota’s continued efforts to oppress and degrade me—stripping away my rights, my dignity, my very identity—have not been the end of my story. In fact, they have only served to fuel my resistance. I’ve fought for my freedom, the freedom to pursue what is divinely mine. I will not allow anyone—no state, no system, no force—to steal that from me. This is my birthright to self-determination, and I will hold on to it with everything I am.
Each step I take, every ounce of perseverance, is done in unwavering faith that God's hand is upon me. The state has tried to burn me down and shatter my dreams, just as our great but imperfect nation has done to so many others throughout history. This isn't new. This is the same old cycle of destruction that saw Greenwood burned to the ground, Rosewood massacred by hate, and Seneca Village bulldozed. These weren’t random acts; they were deliberate, systemic assaults on lives, on communities, on the very power of people who dared to build something of their own. I know that history, because I live it here. They have taken from me—the rewards of my hard work, the fruits of my labor, the hopes I have for my future, my own flesh and blood. But despite it all, I press on.
For years, they’ve attempted to plant seeds of doubt in my mind. They’ve tried to convince me, more than anyone else, that I am powerless, that I am just one person against an unstoppable force. But I refuse to buy into that lie. I know the truth. I am not powerless. I am called.
Because I am with God, and God is with me.
The strength that has carried me through my weakest moments—through pain, through injustice, through every setback—has never been my own. It is the strength of the divine, which has shown up time and again when I had nothing left to give. Where I am weak, God is strong. His strength has lifted me from the darkest of places, proving that Gods promises are true. What God spoke to me through the Holy Spirit is real, and I walk in that truth every day. My journey is not just about surviving. It’s about thriving. It’s about fulfilling my divine purpose, no matter the obstacles standing in my way.
Maya Angelou famously said, “I have been victimized, but I refuse to be a victim.” That wisdom has been a guiding light. I carry it in my heart. It has been a compass when walking through difficult doors and navigating the darkest rooms. I didn't have physical strength to produce based workforce labor when the states' keeping healthcare from me. But I find strength to keep going in agreement with faith. I have fought with my mind when my body was too broken to move. I have fought with my spirit when my surroundings sought to crush me. Even when I could only give short bursts of energy to volunteer efforts, when it felt as if the world was closing in on me, I kept moving. One step at a time.
Because they said I was powerless: when I had some power and they systematically prevented me from using it to care for my health, my family, my desires... I took the step to register as a volunteer. I chose to be part of something larger than myself—something that says while I may not want the role of leadership and I'm not physically well enough to show up seven days out of the week, I can be beneficial to those who do want the role, who do have an interest in career in policy and who like me ARE powerful.
The Vote Run Lead event held in Minneapolis wasn’t just an opportunity to volunteer—it was a pivotal moment of clarity. It was a statement, that I'm exactly who i am supposed to be, off doing something I'm supposed to do—opponents don't determine my value; I and God are in complete control of that. My participation, My power, My presence in this world—is valuable. I can and will hold on tightly to the birthright of my divinely determined destiny. I will not let anyone convince me to sell my birthright to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—in exchange for their vision of my life. I will resist, with everything I am, until I see the freedom that God has promised me.
I don't have to resist in traditional ways. I don't have to label myself an activist, because the term suggests that unless I'm devoted to the opponent’s activities, I am a passivist. The truth is much more simple than that for me—isms, divisive opinions, and toxicity are not a part of my divine soul contract destiny. Opinions that I do not subscribe to should not mold, control or limit me—I'm a free thing. I am not property that must become or remain in compliance with the environment surrounding me. I do not choose to spend my time focusing on that type of stuff accept where addressing these types of issues are forced on me.
If I am to be labeled anything, it is a humanitarian—because I am absolutely in love with God's divine creation called humanity, with their habitat (our planet), and with each person's freedom to experience and become all that God Almighty has prepared them to be in the life given uniquely to them.
I am power. I am creation. I am God's Woah-man—nothing can take that away from me.
A system tried to take my power and reduce me to nothing more than a statistic or a sacrifice.
My response? To survive those attacks—and to honor God by being of service to women empowered to lead.
Vote Run Lead Event: Empowering Women to Lead and Create Change
In 2017, Minneapolis played host to a groundbreaking event aimed at empowering women to take on leadership roles and make their mark on the political landscape. The Vote Run Lead campaign, held in partnership with local organizations, became a pivotal moment in dismantling the barriers that have historically kept women out of positions of political power. Focused on equipping women with the tools and support they need to run for office, the event was a personal and collective breakthrough for women committed to creating change in their communities.
This event came at a time when issues of sexual harassment were at the forefront of the national conversation. Following an outpouring of sexual harassment allegations against lawmakers across the country, hundreds of women gathered for a three-day conference in Minneapolis to discuss how to navigate and change the power structures that have allowed such behavior to persist. For many attendees, it was a moment to rise above personal challenges and make an impact.
The National Campaign for Women’s Leadership
Vote Run Lead is a national non-profit organization that provides training, resources, and mentorship to women interested in running for office or becoming involved in politics. As CEO Erin Vilardi says, “We are a training powerhouse for women who want to run as they are.” The goal is simple but profound: to increase women’s representation at all levels of government. By empowering women to run for office, Vote Run Lead ensures that women’s voices are not only heard but are present at decision-making tables where policies that affect millions of lives are made.
The event in Minneapolis was one of many across the nation showcasing the organization’s commitment to fostering women’s political leadership. It's not just about encouraging women to run—it's about providing the necessary resources, networks, and guidance for them to succeed. At the Minneapolis event, women from all walks of life had the opportunity to engage with speakers, mentors, and experts who offered practical advice and inspiration on navigating the political system.
A Vital Step Towards Political Representation
In light of the increasing number of sexual harassment cases, particularly in politics, the Vote Run Lead event in Minneapolis also acted as a call to action. Women have historically been underrepresented in politics—research consistently shows that communities thrive when women are involved in political decision-making. Yet, the barriers to women’s full participation remain deeply entrenched. Events like this are essential in shifting the status quo and making sure women’s voices are heard in the rooms where critical decisions are made.
As Vilardi pointed out, “There’s a real opportunity with the last election last Tuesday and the next three years to see a permanent increase in the number of women in public office.” Women’s representation has remained stagnant at about 20% for two decades, making it difficult for women to rise to leadership roles. The Minneapolis event provided an opportunity for women to reflect on the challenges, including the long-standing issue of harassment, and strategize about how to push for a more inclusive political landscape.
Breaking Down Barriers and Building a Future of Leadership
The Vote Run Lead event wasn’t just about learning how to run for office—it was about building confidence, breaking down personal and systemic barriers, and laying the foundation for future generations of women to lead. It was about sending a message that women can and will hold positions of leadership.
The conference attracted around 200 women from 33 states across the country, and its attendees reflected a diverse cross-section of the American public. Vilardi highlighted that 60% of the participants were women of color, and about a third came from rural areas. Approximately half were under 35, and half were mothers—showing that the movement for political change had a broad and inclusive reach.
In light of the conversation around sexual harassment in the workplace, especially politics, this conference was about more than just giving women the tools to run for office; it was about ensuring that women felt empowered enough to fight for themselves and each other. This empowerment came in the form of mentorship, workshops on fundraising and communications, and discussions about how to effectively navigate the often-hostile world of politics.
A Nationwide Movement with Local Impact
The Vote Run Lead event was part of a broader, nationwide movement aimed at increasing women’s representation in government. “There’s a real opportunity with the last election last Tuesday and the next three years to see a permanent increase in the number of women in public office,” Vilardi said. This movement is vital in creating a future where political leadership reflects the diversity of the population it serves.
The Minneapolis event created a dynamic space for women of all backgrounds to come together, share their stories, and plan the way forward. It was a chance to focus on the collective mission of breaking down the barriers that prevent women from holding leadership roles, particularly in the wake of national conversations on harassment, inequality, and exclusion.
The Path Forward
In 2017, the Vote Run Lead event in Minneapolis was more than a one-time experience—it marked the beginning of a sustained movement to empower women and ensure their voices were heard in positions of power. As women continue to rise, run, and lead, the impact of events like this will resonate across generations, shaping the future of American politics in a more inclusive, diverse, and representative way.
With organizations like Vote Run Lead, the goal of achieving gender equity in political representation is no longer a distant dream—it’s an ongoing, tangible effort. As Vilardi noted, “A lot of enthusiasm, a lot of women declaring their public office… we are close to two-thirds who know what they’re running for.” This event, and the movement it sparked, will continue to create ripples of change, ensuring that women’s voices will be part of the political decision-making that shapes the future of this country.
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