We’re looking forward to introducing you to Darnell Washington. Check out our conversation below.
Darnell, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity. I say this because it takes integrity to be open about one’s life. The good, bad and ugly and openly accepting responsibility for your wrongdoing. That’s integrity is about.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Darnell “Moe” Washington. I been home 23 months now after doing 26 years in prison. Which I like to say I was on a 26 year intensive retreat dealing with accountability, insight, emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Which lead me to starting my nonprofit African American Community Healing. Because my community members suffer from some of the same traumas I’ve been through and I want to bring healing opportunities to them. Through yoga, mindfulness meditation and other activities. I offer these activities free of charge and this is my way of giving back to my community.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I grew up in South Central Los Angeles which was predominantly African Americans and Latinos. Once I graduated from elementary school my mother decided to send me to school in the valley which was predominantly white. I felt it shaped my life in a very positive way because of the diversity of kids that were at the school. There was a lot of African Americans being bus there as myself. We interacted very well and became good friends. This made me question some of the biases I had of whites and taught me I cannot judge a group of people by a couple of people actions of that group.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’m a very optimistic person and have a lot of faith in God. So there was never a point when I felt I wanted to give up and not even when I had a life sentence I prisoner. I just kept a positive attitude and planned for the things I wanted to do when I got out of prison. Most importantly I worked on myself to become a better man.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family and community
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That my life was full of transformation which shows them you can overcome anything in life if you have your heart , body and mind in line with one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Africanamericanch.org
- Instagram: Africanamerican.ch
Image Credits
Darnell Washington
