DESTINY WASHINGTON (SHE/HER)

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

I am originally from New York and grew up in a very loud, close-knit family. Next year I will be a first generation college graduate, and I am so excited! I love hanging out with my friends and impulsively traveling somewhere new. I am obsessed with watching shows over and have watched Scandal more times than I would like to admit. I like to think that I am fairly laid back, but in true Aries nature I am not afraid to speak my mind. I got my introduced into organizing when I lived in Spanish Harlem and my friends and I protested the stop and frisk policy. I am passionate about my community and believe for us to truly liberated we must make sure that marginalized communities are being uplifted this means—BIPOC communities and black trans individuals voices need to be both uplifted and the center of our work.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUN, MOON, AND RISING SIGNS?

Sun: Aries

Moon: Libra

Rising: Gemini

CURATE YOUR PERFECT MUSIC FESTIVAL! WHO WOULD YOUR ARTISTS BE?

My perfect music festival would be a mix of new soul, R&B, and Rap. My set would include Summer Walker, fugues, H.E.R, Niki Minaj, Mahalia, Teyana Taylor, Solange, The Internet, Dizzy Face, and Janelle Monae.

WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS THAT YOU ARE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I am passionate about the liberation of black folk, I am passionate about singing and writing poetry because It brings me peace, and I am passionate about making a better world for younger generations that come after me (if we can solve climate change!).

WHAT’S A HOBBY OUTSIDE OF WORK AND SCHOOL THAT YOU LOVE OR WANT TO GET INTO?

I really want to start painting, my goal before the end of 2020 is to invest in art supplies and start painting/ drawing.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO RELAX TO?

“Cranes in the Sky” by Solange

IF YOU COULD ONLY FIT FIVE THINGS IN A BACKPACK, WHAT FIVE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE?

Sandwich, my speaker, lavender, a blanket, a notebook. Then I could have a picnic at the park!

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VACATION?

The Maldives or Nigeria

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

Chips and salsa

WHAT IS YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE? HOW DO YOU GIVE LOVE, AND HOW DO YOU BEST RECEIVE IT?

My love language is definitely words of affirmation and acts of service. I used to give love the way I want to receive it, but I have learned you should give love the way someone else receives it….so It depends! I receive love through meaningful words and actions.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU GIVE OR HAVE RECEIVED THAT HAS IMPACTED YOU/HAS UPLIFTED YOU?

The best piece of advice I have gotten is an older woman I meet at a bus stop. She told me to cut yourself some slack and there is only one of you so take care of yourself. I am often very hard on myself and I am in the process of learning to appreciate myself.

WHAT’S YOUR VENMO/CASH APP/PAYPAL?

Venmo:@DestinyWashington

Cash App: Destiny418

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In light of people wanting to support Black folks during the uprising, we wanted to highlight that Blackness is nuanced and encompasses a vast array of experiences. Blackness isn’t a monolith. We hope to honor the uniqueness of each Black staff member here at Minnesota Youth Collective through this series of portraits and interviews. We’re beyond grateful to experience the magic they bring to our organization.