In this journey called “life,” I have encountered
a lot of hardship but by divine wisdom, engaging in my children’s schooling,
and their activities these things became the sustaining factor for me. I am
Rosa Davis, the new community organizer with Faith Coalition for the Common
Good. Although organizing is now my professional career, organizing around my
values has always been a part of who I am. I am a mother of five, grandmother
of four and a pastor’s daughter. Both of my parents are deceased but live on
through me.
One of my biggest fights and conquests in my life was my
battle with domestic violence. I am a domestic violence survivor. This fight
led me to my next unknown victory in Springfield. My first few years of living
in Springfield were a challenge full of tears and stress. Little did I know that
through all the bobbing and weaving, I would soon be strengthened through my
work of educational equity.
Ding, Ding. I came to my first FCCG meeting on a
Saturday during its founding years. I was unsure at the time if I wanted to
fully be part of the coalition. However, I continued to attend the meeting and
got involved. One lesson that stuck with me from FCCG’s training was making sure
my values were implemented in the public arena. As an educated single mother, I
value educational equity. In my children’s high school years, I was highly
active in school activities and PTO. I was most proud of the Parent group I was
a part of with community educational trailblazer Jay Smith. This group gave
parents with children who had situational issues at school a sense of security,
help, and success. And for that, I will forever be grateful to Jay.
Now, all of my children are out of high school and in their
careers but there is still work to be done in Springfield to ensure that ALL
children receive the resources they need at every level to be successful. To
ensure that ALL children have the right to a quality education like every other
child, no-matter how challenging the task may be. Currently, I am organizing
the Faith Coalition’s Educational Equity Task Force with parents and educators
who are passionate about the growth of Springfield students.
I am an organizer who organizes people to bridge communities
for equality. Lastly, I would like to invite interested community members to
our all-task force power and action meetings at 6 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of
the month. This meeting is located at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.
Rosa Davis is the community organizer with the Faith
Coalition for the Common Good. For more information about the Faith Coalition
for the Common Good, email tyshianna@faithcoaltion-il.org or 217-544-2297. If
you are a parent or educator who would like to get involved in the Education
Equity Task Force, contact Rosa Davis at rosad@faithcoalition-il.org.
This article appears in Winter Guide 2023.
