DeAnna Shores

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPH:

I grew up partially here in Middletown. But today, I get to talk a little bit about the work I do here in Middletown, which is really exciting to be back in the community. So there's two people in the photo, And what's so cool about the photo is that it is happening during National Night Out, which is typically the first Tuesday of every August. And the two people in there are Gerald Mack and Regina Brooks. 

Gerald is a community ambassador, he is a person who came back to Middletown, because of his Middie Pride with the purpose to be involved and make this city a great place for everyone to live, work and play. Gerald and I went to school together. I remember him coming to a meeting and just being excited about being able to call on him to come out and be visible in the community. 

The other person is Regina Brooks, my boss lady. She and I go way back. When I came back to Middletown, and decided to go back to school and went to Miami, Miss Regina was very instrumental in my life. She actually gave me a call later on, after I had graduated with a couple of degrees, for a job placement. She kind of kept me on my toes. And I really appreciate it that it made the difference when it comes from a place of love and support. And that's what she really represents. So she lives in the census tracts as well raised her family here. And so to have her part of this project was so exciting. So when I was looking through the photos, I'm thinking, wow, these two people are super Middie Pride representatives. 

Middie Pride is about ‘just keep on going.’ You have to keep getting back up—there's something there that cannot be lost. I'm just grateful to be a part of this journey of restoration. And I'm grateful to have even an inkling of that Middie Pride. I'm just grateful for us to be able to sit around and tell our stories because they're so important.