Every Monday and Wednesday, 20-year-old Akeah Graham finds herself surrounded by children of all ages leading them in an afterschool program she created that focuses on the arts.
After Graham clocks out at her shift as a certified nursing assistant at OCH Regional Medical Center, she heads over to Chandler Park apartments or Sand Hill apartments to inspire the youth through her nonprofit, I Love Me Ministry.
“I really just want to help the kids,” Graham said. “I want the kids to learn about the arts and what all they can do when it comes to their creativity. I want them to see the leaders and be inspired by us.”
Throughout her life, Graham has been recognized for her volunteer work with 4-H and other service organizations, and this year has been no exception. She was given an honorable mention by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service for the 2022 Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence award.
“It’s nice to be recognized for this, but everything I do is for the kids,” Graham said.
When Graham was just 13, she had to have brain surgery on a tumor that sat just below her eye and impacted her vision. The surgery has been one of the biggest driving forces in helping Graham decide her career path.
“Right now I’m a CNA, and I work with outpatient surgery to help patients have a steady transition back home after their surgeries,” Graham said. “I’m trying to become a (registered nurse), and eventually a surgeon. I think it’s important to understand where patients are coming from and what the care after surgery is like before going straight into being a surgeon. It’ll help me become a better doctor in the long run.”
For most of her life, Graham has been active in 4-H, and it’s played a pivotal role in her becoming a leader today. Before her meetings with the I Love Me Ministry, the children gather and say the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H pledge, which includes the mantra of, “I pledge … my hands to larger service.”
The children get off the bus and are excited to come learn more. They are given snacks before they begin their program for the evening, and then the fun begins. The children learn dances, musical instruments like drums, songs, coloring and poetry.
When a specific month is focused on something like May being mental health month, Graham tries to garner a few programs for that.
On a rare Friday program, the children were given ice cream and focused on mental health. After they enjoyed ice cream, Graham let the children choose some clothes she and other volunteers gathered in a clothing drive for the children.
“We try to do programs paired with the art they learn,” Graham said. “So (Friday) is mental health, but we focus on things that will make the kids better and happier. It’s good to come let loose and do something to express yourself.”
Children who need help with homework are given the help they need from multiple adults Graham has recruited to help in her mission. Her mother, Rose Coffey-Graham, is one such volunteer.
“I’m so proud of Akeah,” Coffey-Graham said. “You can tell that she always wants to help kids and set a good example for them. Her heart is truly in service and helping others. Even though she doesn’t make a lot, everything she has goes to this program. She makes the kids feel special with little gifts and snacks every time, and you can see it when their faces light up.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion