Staten Island's Kemi Akindude on Service, Advocacy and Why She Is Running for Congress
Who: Kemi Akindude of Staten Island, NY is committed to advocating for working families, eradicating racial injustices, and strengthening the education system.
Where to find Kemi: Instagram, Facebook, Website
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about serving those in need. Throughout my life, there were people who helped me, guided me, and were there for me when I needed them the most. I would like to be that person to anyone else in need, whether it's a community or just one person that could use a helping hand.
I’m also very passionate about advocating for what is just. Throughout my life, I have always made it a habit to speak up whenever I needed to.
How does your passion serve your purpose?
My purpose is first and foremost in Christ. The love of God towards those who are hurting or in need is something I've experienced and seen in action, and it is powerful. The passion I have for serving others serves my purpose because it is through Christ-not only placing that passion within me but also strengthening me-that I can serve with love towards others that surpasses even my own understanding.
I believe my purpose is to create change in whatever capacity I have been qualified to do so. It is not enough for me to take notice of everything that isn’t going well, I believe it’s imperative for all of us to use our gifts to make the world our best.
Since this COVID-19 pandemic started, what are some ways you’ve been able to keep your peace & avoid ‘freaking out”?
Concerning the safety of others, one way I've kept my peace is through prayer and reaching out to people. There are amazing people on the front lines right now who are risking their lives every day to save others, and my hope has always been for them, and anyone exposed to the virus, to be OK.
Concerning staying at home, that hasn't been so bad. I am an introvert, and some of my favorite things to do are bike riding, sewing dresses, watching Bollywood movies, and reading. In that regard, this has been a season of peace.
Are you working on any interesting projects? Please share them & how the Awomi Tribe can support.
Currently, I have launched a campaign for Congress in NY-11 consisting of Staten Island & Southern Brooklyn. There is so much going on in our country and in my district that I felt an urgency to take action. Particularly when it comes to race-based inequities in education, criminal justice & healthcare. I made the decision to run for Congress in order to motivate anyone occupying this Congressional seat in my district to make advocacy concerning these issues a priority.
I refuse to believe that this is an issue that my district doesn’t care about. I refuse to believe that the world as it currently stands, is a world that any citizen in our district wants their children to see. Systemic racism is a problem, and it can’t be solved with silence or sympathy.
We need to be willing to have those uncomfortable conversations. It doesn’t have to be me, but I’m running in part to inspire others to participate in creating solutions.
I’m running because there are perspectives that are not being represented in this election, and important issues that are not being championed.
I’m running for the American dream-not the one that we see now, but the one that was never realized.
The Awomi tribe can support by:
Making sure you’re registered to vote in November
speaking up & taking action in ways that contribute to impacting our next generation.
Join our mailing list
Donate to our campaign
We are on the brink of an amazing time in the history of humanity, let’s make sure we’re a part of it!
If you could only have 1 Awomi Naturals item for the rest of the year which one would you choose & why?
Liquid black soap! I use it for everything! It thoroughly cleanses my face without any harsh effects on my skin!
Learn more about Kemi & her journey to the ballot by visiting https://kemi4office.com/ & Follow her on Instagram @KemiforCongress