Today we’d like to introduce you to LaVon Bracy
Hi LaVon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At the age of 16, I integrated the public school system in Alachua County which is in Gainesville, Florida. This was in 1964. It was a challenging year. I was not welcomed and the white students did all they could to harass me and demonstated bodily harm. Each day, I was called the “N” word and spit on and told that I did not belong in the school. In spite of all the abuse, I graduated from Gainesvillle High Shool in 1965. This experience shaped my life and its future. As a result of this incident, I became an advocate for those who had no one to speak for them. I have spent my life in the social justice area, speaking truth to power and advocating for those who have not had a voice.
I have conducted extensive voter education, registration and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) in Central Florida; singlehandedly registering more than 1200 voters and was featured in the CNN Special: WHO COUNTS, 2012. See YouTube documentary clips below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiNO0vqz-hA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FcMUFJwMg0
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was a difficult journey. I have worked all of my life trying to protect democracy and make sure everyone has a voice in the State of Florida. We have had those is position of power that have worked hard to iinstitute laws that will reverse progress that has been made. We have had voter suppression and the progress in diversity, equity and inclusion reversed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My husband and I founded a church in Orlando in 1992. It was very successful.We were able to start a school and build a Senior Citizen housing facility. We were a beacon light in the community. I retired in 2012 from the church. I began to work with a non profit organization about five years ago that is based in Florida that works with Education, Immigration, Gun Violence and Protecting democracy. We are located in 40 of the 67 counties in Florida. The work is challenging but we are able to make some progress.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I wrote a book regarding my experience at Gainesville, Florida for children. The title is: A Brave Little Cookie. It is available on my website: Bravelittlecookie.com. I wrote it to inspire children to be brave and bold. They should know that in spite of obstacles, they can be succcessful.
Pricing:
- Hard copy of my book: $20
- Soft copy of my book: $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bravelittlecookie.com
- Instagram: dr.lavonbracy
- Facebook: Lavon Bracy
- LinkedIn: Lavon Bracy
Image Credits
None
