My name is Reggie. As a lifelong Detroiter, born and raised, my story is deeply woven into the fabric of this city. I've witnessed its resilience and its spirit firsthand, and I've always been driven to contribute to the community that shaped me. For years, I’ve dedicated my life to celebrating and amplifying the voices of others. Today, I need your help to keep my own from being silenced.

In 2024, my world was turned upside down when a "department restructuring" eliminated my position. Determined to bounce back, I poured every ounce of my energy into finding new work. I’ve since submitted over 400 job applications, a relentless effort that has heartbreakingly resulted in only two interviews and no offers. To compound this struggle, my unemployment claim with the state of Michigan was unexpectedly rejected. Despite months spent navigating a maze of appeals and bureaucratic red tape, I have not received a single dollar of the support I was counting on to survive this transition.

This immense challenge, however, ignited a fire in me. Instead of succumbing to despair, I chose to build something meaningful—co-founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the rich legacy and elevating the powerful voices of Detroit’s Black visual artists. This isn’t just a project for me; it is the culmination of a lifelong passion and a way to give back to the community that has shaped me. It’s work that fills me with purpose and promises to create opportunities for others. But right now, that dream is overshadowed by a more immediate crisis.

I am now facing a court hearing on June 18, 2025, for a past legal obligation that I simply cannot meet in my current financial state. The prospect of standing in that courtroom without the means to settle this debt is terrifying. The consequences could dismantle the future I am working so hard to build for myself and my community.

This is why I’m turning to you today. I am seeking to raise $4,000 to navigate this critical moment. Your support would be allocated with complete transparency to cover:

Urgent Legal Costs: To satisfy the court-ordered obligation and prevent devastating legal repercussions.

Basic Living Expenses: To secure essential needs like housing and utilities, providing a stable foundation from which I can continue my work.

Nonprofit Fees: Allowing me to transition from survival mode to serving Detroit's artistic community.

Every dollar raised will serve as a vital bridge, closing the seemingly insurmountable gap between my current hardship and a future dedicated to service. I never imagined I would be in a position to ask for this kind of help. I am a firm believer in earning my way, and I ask for your support with deep humility.

If you have ever faced a moment where a helping hand made all the difference, you understand the profound impact of that lifeline. I am holding onto hope that I can be worthy of that same grace today.

To show my immense gratitude and in keeping with my belief in providing value in return, I will personally send a digital copy of

Boundless Success: Live Life without Limits, a book I co-authored, to every person who donates.

If you are in a position to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If not, I ask that you please consider sharing this campaign with your network. Your voice and support are powerful.

With sincere gratitude and unwavering hope,

Reggie