The Power of Being in Community

Hey there!

My Saturday morning began with a tennis class filled with other DC residents who share an interest in growing as an intermediate tennis player with the support of a team of coaches who volunteer with D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. Each week that I show up to class, I learn, practice, and give and receive mutual support from a tennis community of coaches and fellow students. Being a part of this community motivates me to continue showing up to the tennis courts with a beginner’s mind and a willingness to learn, grow, and ask for help, especially when I get frustrated with my progress or and struggle with my inner critic.

Watch the video below to learn about another experience I had being in community with my neighbors on Saturday morning and afternoon.

THE POWER OF BEING IN COMMUNITY

Being in community with others positively impacts your well-being because it:

1) Lays the foundation for a shared connection through beliefs, interests, goals, and experiences.

2) Offers you an opportunity to give and receive mutual support that can often show ups as spiritual, emotional, social, or professional support.

3) Gives you a sense of belonging and feeling valued, accepted and understood.

4) Provides a safe space that allows you to show up as you are, give and receive loving kindness and compassion, and build trust with other community members.

5) Creates accountability, encouragement, and growth.

SEPTEMBER SELF-CARE EVENT

Join me for the final session of Thriving Mindfully Mondays on September 29th at 7:30 p.m. During the session, we will discuss and create your autumn well-being toolkit.

OCTOBER EVENTS

My dad Dr. John F. Leeke and I will be speaking about his journey as a digital senior citizen activist that is mentioned in our book, American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion during the Blogger Week Content Creator UnConference on October 4th at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Join us for a day full of creators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers coming together to learn, share, and build.

Calling everyone in the Wilmington, Delaware area! My dad and I are headed to the Episcopal Church of Saint Andrew and Matthew in Wilmington for a book talk for our book, American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion on October 26th at 12:15 p.m. During the book talk, we will share our Roberts’ family connection to Wilmington, Leeke family’s Underground Railroad experience, stories from my dad’s life that highlight his work in diversity, equality, and inclusion, and so much more.

Check Out Ask Dr. John, A Father-Daughter Conversation Series About American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion by Dr. John F. Leeke and Ananda Leeke (22 Videos)

Have you seen Ask Dr. John, a father-daughter conversation video series, about American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion by my dad, Dr. John F. Leeke and yours truly?

We’ve got 22 video conversations for you to check out. See some of our favorites below.

Click the buttons below to watch the conversations on YouTube AND buy the book.

1) Why Did We Write American Change Agent?

2) What Is A Change Agent?

3) Discovering & Writing About Our Family’s African Ancestry

4) Our Family’s Underground Railroad Experience

5) Aging & Retirement

6) Impact of Working with DEI Pioneer Elsie Y. Cross and her trailblazing diversity training firm, Elsie Y. Cross Associates (established in 1960s)

7) Working in DEI at the National Education Association from 1968 to 1985

8) The Impact of the Black Church on Our Lives

9) What Does It Mean to Be An Entrepreneur?

10) Our Family’s Divine Nine & Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Legacy

11) Growing Up in Washington, DC and Attending St. Augustine Catholic School During the 1940s and 1950s

12) Attending Archbishop Carroll High School in DC During the 1950s

13) The Meaning of Fatherhood

14) Attending Indiana State Teachers College and Serving As A Member & Chapter President of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity

15) What Was Most Difficult About Writing American Change Agent?