A Community Leader’s Apology and My Commitment to Growth

Monday, October 27th, was challenging, and today I feel the weight of it. As a community leader and the founder of a nonprofit built on healing, empowerment, and positive change, I know I must hold myself accountable. My work in the community has always been rooted in love, respect, and service, so it is important for me to offer a sincere and public apology for my behavior that day.

I arrived at Bingo excited and prepared. With surgery coming up and Sunday Bingo being closed, I decided to attend Monday’s session so I could network, show my face, and continue building awareness around the nonprofit work I do. I had a donation table set up for the very first time, and I was proud of that moment. Unfortunately, a situation occurred that pulled me out of character, and I reacted in a way that does not reflect who I am or what I represent.

I was defending my mother, and I will always protect her. Anyone who knows me knows the love I have for my mom and how I stand in line so she can sit because of her injury. But even with that, I recognize that as a leader, I must respond with calmness, not anger. I allowed someone to disturb my peace, and that is something I deeply regret.

I want to apologize to the Bingo staff, the owners, the elders, and the community members who were there simply to enjoy their time. You deserved better from me. I have already apologized privately, but it matters to me to say it publicly as well. Respect means a great deal to me, and I never want my actions to misrepresent the work I do or the values I teach.

As someone who writes affirmations, encourages emotional control, and speaks about protecting your peace, I understand the contradiction in my actions. That is why this is a moment of reflection and growth for me. I am choosing to step back, refocus, and rebuild the positive energy I let slip away. I will not work on nonprofit tasks while in a negative state because that goes against everything I mentor, teach, and pray about.

My community deserves the best version of me — the version that uplifts, supports, and leads by example. I am committed to doing better. I plan to send flowers to the elders I respect at the Bingo hall as part of my apology, not just as a gesture, but as a reminder to myself that leadership requires humility, accountability, and emotional maturity.

I am 49 years old with health challenges, and the last thing I want is to be involved in an altercation anywhere, especially in a space meant for joy and connection. I allowed someone to influence my energy, but today I release it, pray for their healing, and wish them well.

This experience has shown me that even leaders have moments of weakness — but true leadership is shown in how we recover, correct, and grow. My nonprofit is my heart, my purpose, and my legacy, and I refuse to let one situation overshadow the work I’ve built or the community I love.

Thank you to everyone who supports me, stands by me, and understands that growth is a lifelong journey. I remain committed to my mission: serving with love, leading with compassion, and always striving to be better than I was yesterday.

Never be the aggressor.

Always protect your peace.

And always rise after the fall.