Episode 52: Speaking Our Truths with Guests Alicia R. Johnson and Crystal Graves

Episode 52: Speaking Our Truths with Guests Alicia R. Johnson and Crystal Graves

Today, we’re introducing another new segment for our podcast: Speaking Our Truths. The goal with this is to give a voice to the communities that are talked about, have biases around, or are misunderstood - so we can work to reduce the stigma and give voice to their issues and concerns, with the hope that they’ll be heard and inspire others to work toward change.

For this episode, we are joined by two women living in Durham public housing - Alicia R. Johnson and Crystal Graves - who are passionate about their communities and want to inspire them to do better. This initial podcast allows us to introduce them and their stories to you - where they came from and their journey to where they are now. We also touch on the issues they’ve faced, what it’s like living in public housing, the impact and stigma around it, what can be improved, and more. Stay tuned for more from this inspiring segment!

More about our guests:

Alicia R. Johnson

Alicia was born in Kansas City, MO, and at the age of five, her family moved to Durham for a few years before heading to Maywood, IL, where she was raised. She now lives in the Durham Housing Authority community of Laurel Oaks. She has two beautiful children, and says “My life’s journey hasn’t been easy, yet by the Grace of God I’m still here. I have my church leaders who have and are helping me with my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ my Lord.” Alicia has a Cosmetology and Instructor License, and is currently pursuing her Barber Instructor License in order to eventually start her own Cosmetology/Barber school. She believes in educating and encouraging people through compassion, love and understanding with the belief and faith they will become the best they can be.

Crystal Graves

Crystal moved from Florida to Durham in 2014 and currently lives in the Cornwallis Community, where she is Vice President. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters and worships at Faith Assembly Christian Center-TNC. Her passion is creating opportunities that support and benefit the needs of others. She enjoys the responsibility of planning, organizing, and managing events. The work up-to and when the goal is reached is what drives her passion, which is to build relationships within the community, and the organizations that support that community. She does this as part of her faith and belief that when we support the needs of others, we all are better. This journey of partnering and collaborating with others in making a difference is helping her build the foundation to create her own nonprofit in the future. Her hope and prayer is that these partnerships are filled with growth and meaningful connections.