Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Bryant.
Erica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am naturally drawn to doing community service, and grew up helping others. I was reared by my great-grandparents, and my siblings and I were doing service projects without knowing it, by helping people in our neighborhood with various errands. As I became older, what I did to find out how I could be of help to others, was I would sign up for service projects that sounded fun, interesting or something that I could utilize my skillset. This turned into me doing several hundred hours of community service events. To become commissioned as a Yellow Rose of Texas is not something that you can apply for, or campaign for, but something that is bestowed upon you. This year, Governor Greg Abbott commissioned me a Yellow Rose of Texas. This is the highest honor a woman in Texas can achieve. The Yellow Rose of Texas recognizes exceptional community service such as volunteerism, charitable contributions, achievements related to the preservation of the history of Texas, or achievements toward improving the present and building the future.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been the easiest journey. I am a psychotherapist and I also opened my own non-profit organization, It Takes A Village Educational Foundation, which promotes literacy, such as through character themed literacy parties, and providing scholarships for deserving high school students. At times it was hard to find the right team or people to support my dreams. It can be frustrating to have the vision but feel that you have a lack of support. I turned that around and decided to take risks. I prayed about it and realized that God would put me in front of the right people. Since then, things have gotten easier for me.
We’d love to hear more about your accomplishment.
As a Yellow Rose, what sets me apart is my age and race. There are not very many, if any, who was as young as me. Typically, most of the recipients are older, with many of them who have had careers older than me. Also, most are involved in helping primarily with the military or affiliated with the military in some way, and very few are minorities. It is a fantastic accomplishment and I am grateful to be honored and honored amongst so many people who have achievement over a lifetime.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are a ton of people who deserve credit for helping me on my path to success. God, first and foremost for opening the doors for me and putting me in rooms or situations that I did not feel qualified for, but He qualified me. My church, New Life, and the members are always so helpful and supportive, and such an encouragement. They make sure that spiritually I stay grounded. My sister Lanequia is one of my biggest supports as well. There are quite a few people in my life, ranging from my school/music teachers who did not accept mediocrity from me, and poured knowledge, confidence and encouragement into me, to the members of my friendship circle, community or family who have always lifted me up and made me feel that I am someone important. I cannot ever begin to describe the amazing support I have received from those in my corner, and it makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Erica_antoinette8
Image Credit:
Erica A. Bryant
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