Interviewing on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Guess what? Later today, I will be on The Kelly Clarkson Show1 to share my story, how Love Beyond Walls began, and how that journey inspired my daughter, Zion, and me to launch Zion’s Closet to support students who might be unhoused or facing poverty through our project with Love Beyond Walls.

Her leadership reminds me that when young people are given the chance to act, they can become catalysts for change in their own communities.

But as I reflect on this interview releasing today, I am also thinking about why I sat on an empty refrigerator for 22 days straight, totaling 135 hours, for the same students we will get a chance to talk about today on the show.

Why? Because it is the day before Thanksgiving, and I am sitting in a coffee shop typing this message.

On one hand, I am celebrating the fact that our message will get out to help more people, but on the other hand, I am deeply asking myself what more we can do to keep helping those we can. The need is growing.

And as the holiday season unfolds and people gather in whatever ways they celebrate, my mind still thinks about the stories, the people, and the many empty refrigerators that remain empty long after the holidays are over, and what drove me on top of this refrigerator.

And although this campaign is focusing more on the communal work side now, I am reminded that poverty is never seasonal.

It happens every single day. And while tomorrow should remind us of what we should be thankful for, I have to say that I have been thankful for the ability to serve my neighbors, and I get to do that in the company of my family and those who choose to show up in community with us to do this important work.

As this awareness campaign shifts into schools, I am grateful that we have taken this momentum and focused it on directly building a third resource center for students in Fulton County Schools.

This moment in time, as the needs grow, has taught me to deal with my burden about the increasing need by becoming as practical as I can.

I am learning not to overwhelm myself with the idea that I or our organization have to do everything on our own, but to realize that whatever we can do matters and contributes to the collective whole of others also doing the work.

One part of that practical application is showing up in schools and creating spaces that meet real needs where students are.

A few days ago, we got the chance to share the beginning of this work with CBS News Atlanta, and Dr. Smith, the principal at Love T. Nolan, talked about how this effort will impact 700+ students and families at her school from this simple act of sitting on top of that refrigerator.

I am committed to continuing this work until I no longer can, not because it is easy, but because service is still good.

I am thankful.

Terence

Love Beyond Walls’ latest awareness campaign Project Open Fridge, is a call to expand resources for families and children impacted by hunger. The work we’re doing here through Zion’s Closet and Love Feeds helps reduce food insecurity and meet the needs of many students and families living in poverty.

• Purchase items for the new Zion’s Closet wish list and every item goes directly to students and helps us serve hundreds of children in at Love T. Nolan.

• Volunteer by signing up to serve with Love Beyond Walls if you are in Atlanta.

• Support the book and share it with someone who cares about students (Available Now).

• And if nothing else—send prayers and positivity as we continue to do this work.

I recently had the chance to give a book talk in New York to discuss the most effective ways to help young men who emerge from impoverished backgrounds dream, have mentorship, and find hope and a pathway to achieve success through education, both traditionally and nontraditionally.

I am grateful to have been joined by Dr. Brandon Frame, founder of The Black Man Can, and Professor Brandon H. Dunkley (NYU).

Book Dr. Lester to Speak [HERE]

Listen to the Imgaine Dignity Podcast [HERE]