Hey fam! With our final installment of “Raise Ya Crowns: HERstory” Vol01 (because this isn’t the end😌), we want to take a minute to show love and appreciation to all of you out there that have been rockin’ with us for the relaunch of “Corner Sto’ Convos” blog. The support for the "Raise Ya Crowns" series and the women we’ve featured has been off the charts and is a true testament to the community we’ve built. It's all about supporting and surrounding ourselves with inspirational people who uplift us and hold the door open for the next person to walk through. We will continue to uphold not just being all talk but about action too. It’s about creating a movement together So keep sharing, keep spreading the word, and keep raising them crowns high.
Our Last RYC feature is Nefertiti Hathaway, representing the home team of Atlantic CIty, NJ. A HBCU graduate who has dedicated her time and talents while bringing forth her vision of supporting and providing resources for her community through youth programs and her non-profit. Ubuntu the Community.
SSA: Hey Queen! Go ahead and introduce yourself and what you’re all about!
NEFF: Heyy y'all, I am Nefertiti Hathaway, founder of Ubuntu the Community. We are a non-profit org that hosts fun and affirming events for the people of the community by the people of the community. I am also a program coordinator for Atlantic City Youth Services. I was born in Atlantic City but raised between Atlantic City, NJ and Aliquippa, PA. I am one of 6 for my mother and 1 of 5 from my father. I attended Lincoln University of PA and studied Human Services, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. The word Ubuntu (I am because you are) was introduced to me in one of my Anthropology courses and I've been a woman of the community ever since.
SSA: We love seeing our people give back to the communities that raised them, so much respect! What interested you in stepping into the philanthropic field and creating Ubuntu The Community?
NEFF:I began my work in the community in 2017 just sending out motivational messages. At the time the state of the world was dark and depressed so I wanted to give back in a way that really mattered. Those messages lifted so many spirits including mine. After a while I wanted to physically giveback so I did some research and decided to host a Juneteenth cookout. Keep in mind, prior to me hosting that cookout, I never celebrated Juneteenth. I just knew it had a meaning and it was something the community could benefit from learning about.
SSA: We never know how a simple gesture can really impact those around us and manifest into something bigger, all respect given!
Up until the whirlwind of what was 2020, many of us didn’t even know what Juneteenth was to be honest. Then it just blew up and not in the best ways unfortunately. At a time where many people and big businesses take performative activism mostly for their own personal gain towards the Black community, it's important for us as a whole to take lead on these projects, events, and programs that benefit us.
How was the process of starting your annual Juneteenth Festival? Where you met with any challenges and how has its success impacted you, your org, and the AC community?
NEFF: There were a few roadblocks and people who didn’t see the vision. But honestly there were more people who wanted to see it happen. I had so much help from the community and I believe it was because of the service (motivational messages) I had already given the community. I believe as long as your intentions are good and your vision is clear, the people will help you. The success of our annual juneteenth celebration has impacted the community more than I may ever know. I’m just grateful for my YES.
SSA: That’s a fact! As long as your intention and vision is clear, people will believe in you. And it's so dope to hear the love pour in from the community especially being from inner cities, where we fight stereotypes constantly of what impact our areas have on us. The saying of “being a product of your environment” seems to always have a negative connotation around it when in actuality it can be the very thing that fuels us and our passions.
How has being from Atlantic City helped mold you into the person you are today?
NEFF: Being from Atlantic City has molded me into being a person who wants to give back. My childhood was full of ups and downs.Fortunately I was one of the kids who had parents and a warm place to go but I know a lot of people who didn't have that. I've always wanted to be the person I/youth needed while growing up.
SSA: Definitely, and because of your acknowledgment that everyone has a different story, you’ve been able to serve in a position that changes that narrative. Providing mentorship and resources for our youth puts them on the early track to success, exposes them to people that were once in their shoes, and gives opportunities that they may have not had before.
How do your own experiences growing up influence your approach to youth development and what type of impact has your role as Youth Program Coordinator impacted your life and your organization?
NEFF:My experiences while growing up allows me to be understanding, emphatic, fun and also a non judgemental ear for the youth. My role as a Youth Coordinator has allowed me to expose the youth to a lot of fresh new opportunities.
SSA: In addition to providing opportunities, how do you plan to continue to create a safe and inclusive space for all youth participants in your programs?
NEFF:I will continue to listen to what the people want and do my best to provide. I believe the best way for me to help is by being a student and honestly continuing to show up as my raw authentic self and keep saying yes to the calling on my life.
SSA: Authenticity is always going to win, especially in community endeavors. With the work you’ve done, it's pretty safe to say you have become a role model in your community.
Can you tell us a project or event you've done that felt like a full circle moment to you and left a great impression on the people you served?
NEFF:One year my grandfather, and my father were both at my Juneteenth event and they both shared how proud of me they were. That moment touched my heart because neither my grandfather nor my father had ever been to any of my events prior to that day. Sometimes all it takes is someone you love showing up for you and telling you that they are proud of you.
SSA: Love to hear that! It's such a good feeling knowing that our parents and family are proud and inspired by the work we do. It lets us know that we are on the right track and who doesn't want that reassurance every once in a while.
We all have our reasons on why we start our businesses or projects and oftentimes through that journey we have to remind ourselves why we started. When it's time to grind it out and get to work What are your “why”s and how do they keep you motivated?
NEFF:It is sometimes a struggle to keep going especially with the career I have. My why is my family, the children in the community, and God’s calling on my life. For me this is one of those things that I couldn't stop even if I wanted to. I will forever be called to the community no matter how I am called. I know God will always call me. That right there is big enough for me to never quit. I wake up everyday grateful that God kept me another day, so I show up.
SSA: As a black woman, our ideas, perspectives and talents are often behind some of the most innovative projects and brands today but our recognition for them still goes unnoticed.
How do you make sure your voice is heard in situations like that and inturn inspire others to do the same?
NEFF: I believe the best way to make sure you are heard is to do business with people who actually hear you. When doing business, be clear on your part of the project. Make sure you brand yourself, create your logo, copyright your things, etc. Be very mindful and intentional with the conversation you partake in because not everyone means you well. Using discernment has saved me from a lot of bad business. On top of that, I just do me! I don’t compare myself to others because I don’t see anyone doing what I do (or how I do it). Comparison is the theft of joy.
SSA: Women continue to break barriers and make their own seat at the table when it wasn't given to us directly. We have become leaders, innovators, and bosses in our own right all while busting down the same doors they closed in our face and leaving it open for the next woman to come through.
What does Women’s History mean to you?
NEFF: Women history shows me that it is possible no matter what “it” is. I stand on the backs of so many marvelous women and I am so thankful that they didn't stop when things got hard.
12 SSA: When people look back at YOUR history, what is the impact you wish to leave behind?
NEFF: When my story is told I want them to highlight my community work and how I stayed true to myself. I want to be remembered as someone that was for the community wholeheartedly and someone that was reliable and dependable. I also want to be remembered as a person who helped people believe in themselves.
13 SSA: If you could, what would you want the younger Nefertiti and girls like her to know about following their dreams and holding their crowns up high?
NEFF: I would tell my younger self and those like me to be a student to the game and go after your dreams. Believing in yourself and doing things that you dream of even when you're scared will take you far. I’d also advise them to get rid of toxic people and behaviors so you can thrive sooner than later.
SSA: Thats a wrap y’all. Thank you Neff for dropping in and giving the Serenade fam gems to live by. Thats it for Vol01 of Raise Your Crowns:HERstory. See yall soon for VOL02!
Don’t leave without checking out Neff’s top 5 picks for women that motivate her below. She left us with some dope vibes with great affirmations. Add them to your morning playlist and set the tone for your day.
- Andre Day - Rise UP
- Gayathri Krishnan - 444
- Toni Jones - I.A.M Worthy
- Alicia Keys -Girl on Fire
- Tish Hyman -Lucky