For the month of December, we are shining the RAWK Spotlight on: Charles Curtis Sanders & Alex Nam!!!!!
The RAWK Spotlight is a monthly series that celebrates folx who embody and serve the mission of empowering youth voices. Folx in the RAWK Spotlight can be anyone from staff, to volunteers, to Board Members, to community partners. They are chosen by the RAWK staff team by merit of their passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for serving local youth and their community!
“I live by two principles (well, i try to): be Authentic and tell the truth. What better way to express and convey that than through writing and reading others’ work? RAWK allows youth to find their voice and to tell their truths (whether it be through poetry, song, story, etc.) and I rock with that because the sooner we learn our voices, the faster we can live freer and healthier lives- hopefully. ” – Charles Curtis Sanders
“My favorite quote comes from my favorite author, John Steinbeck: “No man really knows about other human beings. The best he can do is to suppose that they are like himself.” ” – Alex Nam
Keep reading to hear what our RAWKstar community has to say about Charles Curtis and Alex’s incredible impact at RAWK and throughout the community:
“What a privilege it was to spend the summer getting to know Charles-Curtis Sanders and Alex Naam. Two amazing human beings, who brought such a unique set of gifts and talents to our work this past summer. I was always impressed with Alex’s level of engagement with all youth and his ability to create such meaningful connections with them in such a short amount of time. I am still so grateful for Charles-Curtis and the energy he brings with him into every room, and the many creative ways he brought the RAWK team together!”
– Dr. Kandace Lavender (executive director)
“Charles-Curtis is someone who is always on your team. The minute he meets you and gets to know you, he’s always going to support you and hype you up. He has such a genuine love of life that he radiates a positivity that can only be described as infectious. He’ll make you laugh so hard that you cry from your ribs hurting, he’s always wanting to make life fun and full of magic, and he loves people for being themselves with his whole heart.
Alex is someone who is just full of compassion and that guides him in every aspect of life. He cares about everyone he meets and he makes sure you know that he cares about you. Alex is the kind of person who you could talk to about anything and everything, and he has a way of just asking deep and profound questions that show not only was he listening to you, but he’s going a step further to try and better understand you as an individual.”
– Josiah (program coordinator/IT nerd)
“Alex and Charles Curtis made a impact with RAWK this Summer. I had a wonderful time working with them this summer.”
– RAWK Team Member
“Charles-Curtis is a beautiful light in this world and we were so fortunate to spend the summer with him! Alex is an incredibly intelligent and thoughtful educator. I’m so grateful he shared his gifts with RAWK staff and Summer Writing Campers, especially at a time of transition for our team.”
– Victoria (book wizard)
“Alex and Charles-Curtis both came to RAWK and brought such amazing energy, passion, and insight to RAWK programs. I worked with Charles-Curtis a bit more directly, and he was an amazing addition to the program team. He brought so much creativity and joy to our work over the summer and I hope we get the chance to work together again soon <3 Thank you Alex and Charles-Curtis!”
– JaMeelah (assistant executive director)
“Charles-Curtis and Alex brought their authenticity, charisma, and creative passion to RAWK this summer! Their energy helped us rock and it was amazing to have them on our team. I will cherish the memories and look forward to our paths crossing in the future. ”
– Bri E. (engagement coordinator)
