Written by Frantz Williams
Staff Blog
Activating for equity
My name is Frantz Williams and I have lived in South Florida for 20 years. I could not help to see firsthand how segregated Miami’s neighborhoods are, and how hard it is to find affordable housing. I always wondered why it’s that way, and if we can improve it. Luckily, a professor knew about and recommended Catalyst’s Housing, Equity, Advocacy & Leadership (HEAL) program. I joined HEAL in the summer of 2020 as a participant, and then as a facilitator.
From a personal perspective, the virtual HEAL course offered me—a Type 1 diabetic—the opportunity to become easily involved with my community in the middle of the pandemic. HEAL went beyond giving me the tools to act on affordable housing, an issue we all know is important; HEAL also helped me activate around the larger call for equity amid the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Both HEAL and CLEAR (Community Leadership on the Environment, Advocacy & Resilience) provide space for people to share their stories and for residents’ voices to be heard. I am grateful to Catalyst for providing spaces where new allies can grow, connect, and strengthen relationships in our community.
Most importantly, Catalyst Miami’s programs prove that Miami has all the talent and people necessary to solve our problems. Miami needs you—your abilities, experience, and passion! The great part is that Catalyst makes it easy to get involved and connected. Catalyst Miami empowers local voices to become solution-builders.
I am proud to be a Catalyst Miami donor. Every gift counts and our participation is important. I encourage my fellow Miami-Dade residents, CLEAR/HEAL graduates, and equity allies to join me in supporting Catalyst this year during its 25th Anniversary!
Catalyst Miami is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2021. If you have the means, please consider making a donation to keep us going strong for the next 25 years. Donate here. Or consider attending our signature annual fundraising event, Imagine Miami, on September 29, 2021 at Casa Florida.
Activating for equity
My name is Frantz Williams and I have lived in South Florida for 20 years. I could not help to see firsthand how segregated Miami’s neighborhoods are, and how hard it is to find affordable housing. I always wondered why it’s that way, and if we can improve it. Luckily, a professor knew about and recommended Catalyst’s Housing, Equity, Advocacy & Leadership (HEAL) program. I joined HEAL in the summer of 2020 as a participant, and then as a facilitator.
From a personal perspective, the virtual HEAL course offered me—a Type 1 diabetic—the opportunity to become easily involved with my community in the middle of the pandemic. HEAL went beyond giving me the tools to act on affordable housing, an issue we all know is important; HEAL also helped me activate around the larger call for equity amid the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Both HEAL and CLEAR (Community Leadership on the Environment, Advocacy & Resilience) provide space for people to share their stories and for residents’ voices to be heard. I am grateful to Catalyst for providing spaces where new allies can grow, connect, and strengthen relationships in our community.
Most importantly, Catalyst Miami’s programs prove that Miami has all the talent and people necessary to solve our problems. Miami needs you—your abilities, experience, and passion! The great part is that Catalyst makes it easy to get involved and connected. Catalyst Miami empowers local voices to become solution-builders.
I am proud to be a Catalyst Miami donor. Every gift counts and our participation is important. I encourage my fellow Miami-Dade residents, CLEAR/HEAL graduates, and equity allies to join me in supporting Catalyst this year during its 25th Anniversary!
Catalyst Miami is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2021. If you have the means, please consider making a donation to keep us going strong for the next 25 years. Donate here. Or consider attending our signature annual fundraising event, Imagine Miami, on September 29, 2021 at Casa Florida.
