Many of our young people believe that suicide, drugs, or self-deprecation is solution to their loneliness and lack of resources. Fonda Royster conquered being known as a street kid, dirty kid, unwanted kid until one person finally heard her voice. Her voice was crying out for support and finally landed on ears that would listen and hear. Her spirit would not allow her to give up and now she is a listening ear and a hand for other street kids who are crying! Fonda Royster is a very present help in this time of trouble for the marginalized people in Lucas County. **References to Drugs, Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence are mentioned**
Jerome Graham grew up in Toledo and fondly remembers spending his summers in Woodville, Ohio. In 1977, Graham graduated from Penta County Vocational School with a degree in business. He then enrolled in Owens Community College and graduated with an Associate’s of Applied Business, majoring in Marketing and Sales.
Graham worked for many other stations in Toledo and Detroit and is now a Marketing Consultant for Glass City Radio Broadcasting in Toledo and host of the community affairs program Urban Beat. He is associate minister at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist church and former Pastor of True Vine MBC. He is an active member of both the Toledo Interdenominational Alliance, and The Baptist Ministers Foresight.
Paying the blessing forward by helping persons in need has been the guiding principle in Graham’s professional and personal life.
Voices Around Us® is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission.