The Women in My International Women's Day - Watson

The Women in My International Women's Day - Watson

This month we celebrate International Women’s Day. I thought it would be appropriate to take some time to share some words of appreciation for the many women that have positively impacted my life personally and professionally.

I’ll start with my mother. From my mother I’ve learned passion and the willingness to stand up for what you believe in. If you’ve been following me, I’m sure you can see how instrumental these qualities have been in my professional growth and development. My mother taught me about sacrifice for family and what it means to put the needs of loved ones above the desires of oneself. I don’t mean that philosophically either. Recognizing how difficult it would be to raise an infant while also attending college in another part of the country, my mother arranged for me to stay with my Nana while she was away. Years later, having returned to Rhode Island for several years, my mother made the decision to move with my younger brothers back down south.  My mother respected my opinion enough to give me the choice of deciding whether I wanted to go with her or stay in Providence with the rest of the family. Despite my young age I distinctly remember the slight hint of pain flash in her eyes when I told her that I wanted to stay; but it was only for a moment. She quickly pushed the emotion to the side, hugged me tightly, and told me “OK son.” Now that I’m a parent, I can appreciate how difficult of a decision that was . . . and I thank my mother for being brave enough to make it.

Next, I will acknowledge my Nana, the woman who raised me. My Nana was not only a God-fearing, Bible believing, saved woman, but also a compelling example of how to walk with grace and respect despite life’s circumstances. My Nana is where I get my sense of “knowing right from wrong”, a virtue that seems to be fleeting in contemporary times. “Do the right thing, Raymond.” I can hear her voice as clear as day. My Nana is also the one who instilled a passion for learning and educational achievement in me. Understanding the importance of role models and exposure to positive opportunities, my Nana introduced me to Doctors, Lawyers, business leaders, professional coaches, academics, and community leaders of color on a consistent basis throughout my childhood and adolescence. In hindsight, I realize that she was setting a standard for me to consider what was possible to achieve . . . and I appreciate and thank my Nana for it.

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I want to acknowledge Pamela Shoemaker from Northfield Mount Hermon. My first couple of weeks at NMH I did my best to lay low, keep quiet, and not be noticed . . . but the size of the classrooms at NMH made it impossible. To my complete surprise, Ms. Shoemaker asked me to stay after class one afternoon and then flat out asked me “Why do you pretend like you’re not smart?” I was shocked. I didn’t have an answer to her question, but I knew she was right; and I knew at that moment that I had to start taking my education more seriously. I needed that . . . I need to hear that . . . and I thank Ms. Shoemaker for saying it to me.

I want to acknowledge Dr. Marcia Marker Feld, who took me under her wing while I pursued my Masters in Community Planning at URI. Dr. Feld was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in urban planning from Harvard University and a national expert in the planning field when I met her in 2003. Dr. Feld introduced me to the concepts of community engagement, urban renewal, professional ethics, and was ultimately the reason why I developed an interest in researching gentrification in Providence. My recent work related to the Reconciliation Framework that Mayor Elorza presented last week was directly resultant from my studies with Dr. Feld. I credit Dr. Feld for imparting to me the understanding that in planning I am to always remember who my client is first and foremost; the community. This understanding continues to guide my community work to this day, and I thank Dr. Feld for it.

I want to acknowledge Judith Wills who let me intern at the South Providence Development Corporation during my Master's program granting me first-hand experience in community engagement and youth programming. My internship with Mrs. Wills confirmed that grassroots community development was where I wanted to focus my professional endeavors and set me on my career path. Ms. Wills has continued to be a mentor to me not only in the field of community development, but also in understanding more about my heritage and culture as a “New England Indian.” Mrs. Wills is a Pokanoket, grew up with my grandmother, and has watched me mature into adulthood. After my time at SPDC Mrs. Wills continued to mentor and guide me, and for this kindness and respect, I thank Mrs. Wills.

I want to acknowledge Susan Mahoney, who gave me my first job after grad school teaching life-skills classes to 19- to 21-year-olds from Providence and Cranston. Susan was especially kind to me when my Nana passed in 2016, and even came to my Nana’s funeral, although she had never met my Nana. Susan was also the one who encouraged me to apply for the Executive Director position at the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association even though I was still working for her at the time the opportunity became available.  For encouraging my professional career and showing respect to my Nana, I thank Susan.

And the list goes on.

For taking me on my first direct action and showing me the true power of community organizing I thank Providence City Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris.

For being a tremendous example of community leadership and dedication, I thank Sara Mersha, former Executive Director of Direct Action for Rights and Equality.

For starting the Rhode Island Young Professionals, continually making a difference in the Rhode Island community, and being a consistent example of leadership and professionalism, I thank Melissa Husband.

For being a fellow warrior, activist, and advocate for the underprivileged and marginalized in Providence and beyond, I thank Chanravy Proeung.

For raising me, supporting me, and loving me enough to put up with me and put me in my place when I need it, I thank my sisters, my aunts, and my cousins.

For being lifelong guides, mentors, and instructors in the spiritual understandings of salvation and true faith in Jesus Christ, I thank the ladies of New Life Community Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church.

For teaching me how to be a better man, for supporting and encouraging my personal and professional growth, and for doing me the honor and great privilege of being my wife and the mother of my children, I thank my wife, Jeny.

For introducing me to fatherhood, teaching me more about patience and kindness, and loving me simply because I’m her dad, I thank my daughter Naomi.

To all the women in my life that have continually been a blessing to me . . . for all that you have done, and all that you will do . . . thank you . . . and happy International Women’s Day to you all.

That’s my three cents

Raymond Two Hawks Watson

 

Watson is a civil rights leader in Rhode Island. He has an accomplished career in business. He is the founder of the Providence Cultural Equity Initiative. Watson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Union College in NY, a Master's Degree in Community Planning from the University of Rhode Island, and is a current Juris Doctorate Candidate at the Roger Williams University School of Law. Watson is also the recipient of the Rhode Island Foundation’s 2016 Innovation Fellowship.