Everyday Heroes

Congratulations to Lyn Smith

The winner of the $200 gift certificate for her efforts during the coronavirus pandemic 

Ms. Smith works at an Elementary Charter School as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Instructor. With the school closure and the StayHomeMN Order due to the Coronovirus-19 pandemic; she goes to the school twice a week to provide child care for Essential Workers. She made her own and masks, and works extra online, making phone calls, or Zoom meeting with students and parents: often working into the night.

She shared some food items through a local church with a family who had been laid off from work. This family included a husband, wife, and five children. From another distribution of food items, she shared with a grandmother who is raising 6 grandchildren ranging in ages 7 years to 6 months.

She is also a help to her mother who is especially vulnerable having pre-existing conditions during this pandemic.

Thank you Lyn for all that you do to help others. We hope that you enjoy your own $200. gift certificate.

My granddaughter, Tanasia. I had a total hip replacement in January. She has been taking care of me every since. With this pandemic, she's doing the shopping for me especially because I have a compromised immune system. She just turned 21 in April. This would be a great belated birthday present for her. 

I am writing to send a special shoutout to my husband, Gregory Meeks, Jr. As the president of the Central Florida Progressive Firefighter’s Association, he continues to make a difference in the community and in our family’s life. He works hard to provide for our family and has been the driving force of our family’s success as we embark on a new journey as business owners. I would like him to be recognized for his hard work and contributions as a firefighter/paramedic saving lives during this time. 

My name is Rosetta Washington. I am a graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University majoring in Clinical Social Work. COVID-19, has affected everyone in our society. My graduation was scheduled  for May 21, 2020 and it was canceled due to the spread of the virus. I currently work at a shelter in New Haven, CT as a Shelter Specialist to support homeless youth, ages 18-24. I have begun to bring in items from  home, and purchase items to donate in efforts to engage youth in self-care practices. During such troubling times it is important for everyone to have an outlet. Thus far youth have participated in privately listening to music, manicures, pedicures, coloring, and light arts and craft activities. I hope finding ways to past the time will keep everyone focused on the positive outlook of life.

 Her name is Johnnie Hood she took in a homeless woman. She is still with her family residing in Georgia during this pandemic

Gayle Stockdale owns a small flower shop in Lexington, ky. She and her partner of 42 years have a reputation of supporting human and progressive issues in the City. They financially support an African American travel and research project called the Nia Project. They assist in decorating the stage for the annual city wide MLK program. Her partner Charlotte died, leaving her to do work that she had shared for so long with someone else. When the governor asked non essential businesses to close, she did. But not without first meeting with staff to assess the situation. And then she closed but continues to their salaries out of her own pocket. She did not go around announcing this good deed. I found out because one of her staff told me how fortunate they all felt. I have always loved Gayle. My husband, daughters and me. But I really, really, really love her now!!  She needs to be thanked because in doing so we are sending great energies across the planet.

The individual that I present who deserves to be thanked is my daughter Ms. Lyn Smith. Ms. Smith works at an Elementary Charter School where she has served for the past 17 years as an Educational Assistant and for the past 5 years as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Instructor. With the school closure and the StayHomeMN Order due to the Coronovirus-19 pandemic; she goes to the school twice a week to provide child care for Essential Workers. Although the staff are not provided with face masks and gloves; she made her own and faithfully report to duty. 

The other days, Ms. Smith is online, making phone calls, or Zoom meeting with students and parents. Last week, during one Distance Learning session with a 4th Grade ELL (English Language Learner) student that was having difficulty with understanding an assignment and the parent was not able to provide any assistance because their home language is French. I watched Ms. Smith sitting at the dining room table, patiently assisting this student who had began to shed tears. This was a three hour feat that began at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m.; without taking a break.

Additionally, Ms. Smith had gone to a local church that was distributing food items to families. Because of the abundance of the food items received; Ms. Smith shared some with a family (husband, wife, and five children, including an infant) across the street who had been laid off from work. She did not make an announcement. She left the food on the inside of their front porch. Because she had done previous random acts of kindness; they figured out it was Ms. Smith and not the husband's mother. They gladly thanked her. From another distribution of food items, Ms. Smith shared some with a grandmother who is raising 6 grandchildren ranging in ages 7 years to 6 months.

As for me, one of those over 60 years of age who has some preexisting conditions that would be harmed by this pandemic; she is making sure that I am safe and protected.

Asante Sana.

I feel I am a hero! I am autoimmune and immune suppressed. I worked 12 hour night shifts for NCDOC for 16 years, 7 of those years I was on Dialysis for an autoimmune kidney disease. I also raised my children, took care of my husband, and went to school for my Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I got my Transplant on May 14,2019 just after starting a small side business. I was on sick leave from work but I decided to change career paths to use my education. I became a Social Worker for the Department of Social Services APS division. Throughout this COVID-19 crisis, I continue to go out and help people no matter what. I protect myself as much as possible even though I know if I get the virus, I will succumb to it. I always think of others, family, spouse, friends, and the community in which I work before myself. Im proud of myself and what I have been through to make it where I am. That is why I feel as though Im a hero, a humble hero, a stubborn hero

During this this difficult time this women has been here for me and making sure our baby is still in beautiful health. I feel like she has made a difference in my life. 

Mary Scott-Boria is a modern-day shero. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother as well as a talented craft and textile artist, Mary has put her own projects on hold during the COVID-19 crisis to craft lovely, African-inspired masks. On her own time and at her own expense, she delivers these one-of-a-kind masks to friends, colleagues, and loved ones all around the city of Chicago. In characteristic modesty, Mary shrugs aside thanks and praise: "Thanks all for the nice compliment. But I’m not amazing, I just wish all the folks walking around my hood in need of a mask had one. And if I had the time I’d be handing them out ( like our government should). I’m seeing too many without." Mary Scott-Boria, saving lives in Chicago!

(the attached photo is me, Sandra Jackson-Opoku wearing one of Mary's custom-made masks)

I would say my mom! She has been my rock since I started my business she buy materials for me, comes with me to vending events and even models the clothes. At the end of the year she was lay off and I am not in a position to help her the way she has helped me.  Hard took a turn for the worst when we thought she might have the Covid 19 , we were cautious and took all the step. She self quarantine for 2 weeks by the end of it he was extremely sick and had to be rushed to the hospital. She spend 6 days in the hospital and another 2 weeks at home. Lucky for us she is feel 100% better. She loves the clothes from Africa Imports. I think she would love the $200 gift card to get new clothes and maybe some health and beauty items.  

A hero in this crisis is Mrs. Rita Picard, she is a seamstress who decided to make masks, even before people asked for them. She contacted friends like myself to see if we had 1/4 elastic.I sent her what I had. She is a hero.

The reason I feel that I  has made a special difference for others during this time. I work at a Ridgecrest Nursing Home and I work my 8 hours a day plus volunteer 4 hours free to take care our resident and doing  my best to keep them safe from this Covid-19. 

I’m nominating my daughter ‘Amelia Senirewa Vukica’.She has been helping our neighbor and good friend during this pandemic by accompanying her afternoon walk despite living in a red zone area for corona and also by helping her with her self study English assignment.

Last week, in lieu of cancelled contracts with two organizations, Dr. Wanda Tisby-Cousar wired $100.00 to Sierra Leone, West Africa to a college student who needed food for himself and his family that were hungry. Ibrahim Jabbie, previously worked building computers for extra money after leaving his Village of Kenema, which is how he returned to college as was offered a scholarship after being homeless. COVID limited his ability to access parts and go sell his rebuilt computers in Freetown.The money arrived in time, before their government implemented a COVID-19 lock down for 14 days. He expressed how grateful he was and that he sent $50.00 of the money to his widowed mother and sisters in Kenema. The currency exchange rate was $1.00 to $9220.00 Leones last week, so this money went a long way. 

 I’m Happy and in the humblest way consider myself A TruckerHero getting the job done all materials & essentials safely and secure to there destination.

I want to recommend our church minister for his hard work. His name is Stephen Opoku. He delivers foods from the community food bank to members and non members of my church feed more thank seventy-five people.  Although Stephen gets no compensation neither assistance with gasoline and no job supporting him. He only gets little dollars from the pastor head. All in all he finds it a great joy working tirelessly volunteering  to feed people who are on lockdown.  So, this is the reason I’m recommending him risking getting the COVID to feed many families who aren’t working. 

I help people all the time but now since some essentials items are hard to find. I donate what I have to others. When they go to the stores they are empty or some stores ars raising prices they can't afford it. It can be from tissue all the early to diapers(and mothers need these).

I have two amazing hero's in my family.  First I would like to mention Rodrick Huerta-Moore.  My brother.  He is an EMT in California.   Rod has been fearlessly running in to the fire with minimal supplies to help others and ensure folks get the help they need.  He recently had to be under quarantine until a patient he assisted was showing signs of the virus.   Fortunately we recently got the all clear on Rod's lab work.   He is back at work helping transport, whatever his job requires of him.

My second hero  is my sister Lois Green .  Lois has always worked for an assistant living facility or nursing home.  She doesn't hesitate to take double shifts if someone calls in sick.  Her compassion and selfless acts has always been an inspiration to me.

Hello, I work at a hospital in Memphis, TN as a Unit Coordinator. I have been making masks for other staff members, we are required to wear a mask from the time we enter the building until the end of our shift. We are only given one mask every 4 days, which I feel is unsanitary. I make the masks I donate out of fabric so that they can be washed and reused with no issues. I would hear so many of my coworkers complaining that their mask felt disgusting to keep reusing. It's not much but maybe this made a difference to someone.

As a registered professional nurse, it is my duty to continue taking care of those who are sick and dying, especially now that we are living during this pandemic and time of great uncertainty.

My work never ends. As a holistic nurse, I’ve introduced the use of essential oils and other herbal and natural means of boosting our immune systems whether it’s my neighbor, family,  friends, nursing and medical colleagues to patients.

Everyday, I remember that “the mission to save lives must continue”.

Esohe Osaghae, RN (Grace)

I have a friend that go out of his way to make sure that others who doesn’t have much for themselves with food that he cook. He also do their grocery shopping. He also volunteers to go to the food pantry and delivery packages of food to Senior citizens and make their day with laughter and a blessed word from God to give hope during this unfortunate time of year being  sheltered in place. He also gives some money even though he doesn’t have much himself but he says that he’s doing it for the Lord. 

For the past 35 years I have been employed in the Department of Neurology performing EEGs - the sign you see is on the front lawn of my hospital- it makes us feel proud! So when you ask if I know any heroes - I had to think because we are just doing our jobs - we are all in this together.  Please stay safe - all my best - Sheila Gilmore

I would like to nominate this special hero Pannah Jackson. She goes forth each day serving 4-5 patients each day as a PCA in Minnesota. She has done this for 20 years. She is a front line caregiver on the front lines now serving people with professionalism, compassion and dignity. Thank you.

Ever since the pandemic myself along with a couple of friends been helping out the elders in the Hattiesburg, MS, Palmers Crossing Community. We have selected 5 individuals who are 75+ with disabilities that can’t get out to get them what they need. We also call and check on them every other day to see if they need anything else. Some have medicine they need picked up and some of them might want a meal from the local soul food restaurant. I work full time at Walmart, but I still make time to make sure the elders are taking care of. 

He a good a friend and a good role model to follow he do lot community Salisbury md and he always speak positive and love helping the kids I don’t look up to lot of people but he a hero in Salisbury md and so many good way his name JerMichael Mitchell 

Alderwoman Alease Dailes, Ward 4 has been giving out free food to anyone in need at least 2-3 times weekly in our neighborhood! Thank you for doing this Africa Imports! 

Yes me all the stress of this covid 19 and working in the middle of it. I am a Nursing Assistant working with covid 19 patients risking me and my family's chance of getting covid this situation is super hard. 

I always giving my church member clothes, all year round. I love to give. That is my passion. I bless my First Lady all year round. If I think she might like an out fit I bless her. 

I do know someone - Vermont United States Senator Bernie Sanders. 

 Although he is no longer running for President of the United States, Bernie has fought long and hard for every person in he world for at least 60 years,  to help as many as possible have a better life. 

 You may have read over the decades about his fight for justice in all its forms, including racial, social, economic and environmental justice. He is still fighting to help the world during the current global pandemic, and in my opinion, deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for everything he has done during his life. 

 Please consider honoring him in this way, as I feel he a great example of all the best qualities that you and your team at Africa Imports  embody every single day.