Last week, a photo captured a moment that words alone could never fully express. It was a candid hug, an embrace between two friends, two community leaders, and two allies united in the lifelong work of healing and building stronger communities.
The person in the photo with me is Dr. Sylvia Mann, Pastor of Bethel Congregational Church UCC and Music Director of the Southland Symphony Orchestra. She has been a steadfast supporter of the D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation for over a decade. Whether through shared community events, words of encouragement, or showing up when it matters most, Sylvia has always exemplified what it means to be a true partner in progress.
We were attending an event for community advancement, and like many of our encounters, we hadn’t seen each other in person for some time. And yet, when we saw each other across the room, that embrace wasn’t just about familiarity; it was about shared hope, mutual respect, and the unshakable belief that civic engagement, compassion, and collaboration still matter.
Often, the most important work isn’t done in the spotlight. It’s in those quiet, unseen moments—an encouraging conversation, a mutual show of support, a commitment to authenticity- that we lay the strongest foundation for change.
That’s the heart of our mission. We’re not just a nonprofit; we are a movement of bridge-builders, champions for equity, and stewards of civil discourse. And friends like Sylvia remind us that no one does this work alone.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support makes moments like this possible and meaningful.
With gratitude,
D’Andre D. Lampkin
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