My name is Jah’Nae Harmon, I am 18 years old and a 2022 graduate of the Chester Charter Scholars Academy. As a lifelong resident of Chester, Pennsylvania-- which is a predominantly Black low-income community bordering Philadelphia. I have firsthand experience with growing up in an underserved, resource poor community. Fortunately, I was exposed at an early age to programs that promoted youth leadership and civic engagement. These programs along with an innate desire to help people are what motivated me to utilize my time, talents, and strengths to give back to and uplift my community. Once named amongst the most dangerous cities in the U.S.-- Chester, Pennsylvania is home to just over 35,000 residents. At present both our local city government and school district are in financial distress. As a disenfranchised Black community it's sometimes hard to remain hopeful to see the good in other people and to believe there is a better way of life. It’s hard to look beyond what you see every day and wish for something more. It is also hard to overcome trauma in a community that is retraumatized every day. As a young Black woman from Chester, this is why I have given and continue to give back to my community- not only with tangible things like organizing food and clothing drives, but in spirit, love, and knowledge as well, which are just as important. Being a young person without much say so in the world, it can get challenging to be of service because some people don't believe you have the capacity to help. However, I believe my purpose in this lifetime is to change that status quo and show that young people have what it takes to help heal and grow our communities. Over the years I have held positions in leadership that have allowed me to impact the lives of many people within the Black community. As Vice President of the Chester Youth Leadership Team; I have traveled the U.S. and used my voice as a tool and a platform to bring awareness to the social issues and inequalities the Black community faces. I also spearheaded the creation of a mentoring program for young Black girls ages 7-16. Here I taught the principles of sisterhood, self-love, self-care, and healthy relationships. These ages are when outside opinions discourage us the most. Society comments on our hair, our complexion, our weight, who and what we love, etc. I feel my duty as their sister is to make sure they know they are beautiful, loved, and deserving of everything wonderful the world has to offer. I also helped to establish a student council at my high school, where I held the position of Secretary. This allowed me to give back to my community by hosting canned food drives and donating to our local shelters to provide winter coats and other essential items for homeless children and families. During this time, I also participated in a tutoring program within my school to give academic assistance to students in need. Additionally, I have also created a healing circle for young Black women to learn about our bodies so we can be healthy, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I found this to be both important and instrumental for those of us overcoming trauma in communities of color. Lastly, as a poet and youth leader I have written and performed essays and poems depicting the African-American youth experience in America; utilizing my work to heighten awareness on issues such as gun violence, poverty, education, and mental health in the Black community. Over the years I have gone through many battles and things that changed my course of direction, but one thing that has never changed is my desire to help others. Therefore, I began my spiritual journey in August of 2018, in order to heal myself and figure out my purpose. I found that as I got better the environment and people around me did as well. Working on myself allowed me to see the work I was doing in others unintentionally. I realized that my purpose was to help people in whatever way I could be of service. I have done so many amazing things for my community, but all of these things became possible because I did the work I needed to do within myself. Me giving back to myself and healing allowed me to give back to others. With everything I have done to give back to the black community-- I still plan to do more. I plan to grow and continue my programs, mentorships, and spiritual circles beyond just my city. In closing, my work in my community of color has also shaped my plan to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and careers in Civil Rights and Public Administration; where I can continue to use my strengths, time, and talents to help, serve, and protect the rights of Black people through the administration of law and shaping policy specifically for black people to make sure we are represented by and in government. I hope that my work will empower our Black communities and invoke a sense of identity, pride, and duty in others.

My name is Jah'Nae Harmon and I am a young black woman from Chester, PA. According to recent FBI statistics Chester is considered the third most dangerous city in Pennsylvania. With just a small population of 34,000 your chance of becoming a victim to a violent crime is 1 in 18. Being born to a city with a reputation like mine, you have no other choice but to exhibit bravery everyday you step out of your home. Not only do I display bravery by living here, but I exude courage and boldness by thriving here. I know you may be wondering what I mean by this statement but I'll elaborate. Children who grow up in my city are taught what we can amount to from day one. We can only aspire to be athletes, fast food workers, or corporate employees. I believe that I will change this status quo by pursuing my purpose in becoming a lawyer, and I don't say my career but my purpose. I have had many people question me, call me crazy, and ridicule me because of my desire to live up to everything I know I can be. I believe this is because we have been predisposed since birth to failure. Who we are, buried by opinions and limitations that ultimately take a toll on our self esteem and truly make us believe we will never amount to anything. I know so many people in my community that haven't received the same resources, support, and positive leadership I have in order to truly believe in themselves which in turn, makes them unable to believe in anyone who has come from the same circumstances. I hope with all the work I do in the future I can help shift perspectives and make change in my city.