By Devonnte DeJarnette, reporter- Fire Historic and Cultural Collaborative
Photo by Jordan Smith- Fire Photographer
*Devonnte and and Adelita were part of the Community Voices Junior Reporter Camp where they learned the art of media through hands-on learning.
KALAMAZOO (MI)-It is a typical Friday at the group home. Gallegos is swiftly sweeping the aisle way in close proximity to her cell. She fervently shuffles the area and expeditiously strokes the floor until every piece of trash is cleared. Afterwards, she is placed on kitchen duty. When washing the dishes she thoroughly lathers each plate, saucer, spoon, knife, and fork. Then she surveys each dish methodically like a hawk, checking to alleviate each dish of the slightest gritty speck. She handles each job with the same care and concern she has for her one year-old daughter Avi’anna; just as her father who whole-heartedly cared for Gallegos and her nine siblings despite not having a lot of money. Taking a tremendous sense of pride in every task thrown her way, Gallegos eyes intent and hands incessantly diligent, rinses the remainder of the lingering dishes until they glimmer like a shooting star in the distant realms of atmosphere. Knowing that she is about to conclude a hard days’ work, Gallegos takes a look at the last plate with boundless delight. Her work, serving as a direct reflection of her endless dedication and tactfulness pleasingly smiles right back at her.
Later on, after completing the daily chores, Gallegos immerses herself in the weekly outreach program that she is in. Today, she is being taught the ropes in DJing by Michelle Johnson. Johnson is a scholar, DJ, and co-founder of a local non-profit organization by the name of Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative. As Gallegos mixes, she is entirely engaged in the activity. Gallegos completely loses herself in the intrinsic art of being a DJ, the same way she does when she raps or performs poetry. She displays a consummate oneness with the equipment. Gallegos, being more of a jack of all trades, also exhibits an effortless knack for rapidly picking up on anything she tries.
This impresses Johnson incredibly and motivates her to not only desire to get more acquainted with Gallegos, but lay a stepping stone to benevolently propel the lives of both individuals in future years. More than likely, Gallegos is unaware of the significance of the moment, but she takes it all in stride. She allows herself to effervescently shine in a way that make the whole scene and everyone else disappear besides herself and Johnson. This proved to be a prime breaking point in her life, not only leaving a lasting impression on Johnson, but serving as a building block to transcend her character and her potential as an effective leader in her native Kalamazoo, MI. Gallegos also experiences the same breakthrough when meeting Denise Miller, who is a professor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and also a founder of Fire. Miller’s initial impression of Gallegos was that she seemed open, creative, and quiet. Although, just as Johnson, Miller would learn over the course of two and a half years that Gallegos’ fortitude, complexity, and maturity would leave an unmistakable perception of her in the minds of Denise Miller and Michelle Johnson.
After the encounter with Miller and Johnson, Gallegos would eventually begin working at Fire, once she was released from the juvenile home. The organization’s mission is to optimistically affect the community by promoting programs that improve social justice and hone in authentic self-expression through forms such as: Poetry, Hip-hop, Visual Art, Improv, Comedy, Culinary programs, Photography, etc. Gallegos’ contributions to Fire over the course of two and a half years have helped ensure that its mission and vision for the community comes to pass. Gallegos, now seventeen years old, is involved in a variety of arts based projects at Fire such as: Readers’ Theater, Standing Together, and Fire’s Improv Team. Aside from that, Gallegos serves as an active leader in the forefront of Fire’s event planning, organizing, coordinating, etc.
Gallegos says her dad is the one who inspired her o be completely dedicated to everything she does. Her daughter Avi’anna also gives Gallegos a substantial amount of drive and determination to achieve her goals. “I want to give my daughter a better life.” Gallegos said. Gallegos adds that she plans on getting her GED in the summer, and will pursue a degree after that in order to broaden her career options and help give back to her family. “I wanted to be a coroner when I was younger, but the thought of being around all the blood and dead bodies made me change my mind.” Gallegos said. Gallegos states she doesn’t have a specific thing that she is passionate about, but she knows that she loves to help people. She says that God will place her in an ideal position to be an inspiration to others with stories similar to her own, and those who are victims of bullying, abuse, low self-esteem, and other traumatic situations such as this.
“I feel that Adelita is capable of being whatever she wants to be.” Johnson said. Johnson adds that the world will definitely be a better place with Adelita in it, and is certain that she will have an everlasting legacy of leadership. Johnson also believes that her story will not only impact the youth and families of today, but also the generations to come. “I am confident that she is destined to run a community organization or agency that will help uplift the community she is in, and make an effective difference within it.” Miller said. Miller goes on to say that her keen sense of professionalism, unwavering integrity, and fierce commitment to the completion of projects will ensure her success in the corporate world.
Gallegos has overcome many obstacles on her road to success. She’s been faced with poverty, complications with the law, and opposition from others. Time and time again she has proven that she is open to new things, is capable of conquering challenges she never came across before, and is wise enough to capitalize on good opportunities presented to her. Even Miller and Johnson admitted that they doubted her at times because of her pregnancy at such a young age. Despite the odds, she has wonderfully risen to the occasion by repelling each and every bump in the road on her journey. Gallegos herself is unpredictable about her aspirations and dreams in the future, but has a lot of faith in what God gave her. No matter what happens in the future, Gallegos knows prosperity is inevitable because she will not stop until she has achieved ultimate greatness. In the end, if no one else remembers her legacy as an employee, they will remember her legacy as a warrior and a conqueror; and regardless of all the criticism by skeptics and naysayers, there are three words Gallegos will always live up to. Those three words are: hopeful, hard-working, and independent.
