We had the good fortune of connecting with Augusta Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Augusta, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born and raised throughout LA, CA (Compton, San Pedro, Long Beach, Watts, etc). Seeing the daily struggles, tribulations, violence, and lack around me did not mirror what was in my home. Despite this, I always wanted to get away or improve where i was from. Those memories and mistakes made, somewhat molded me into who I am today. The major shift in my life came in the midst of my divorce almost 8 years ago. I arrived at a place in my life where I had been stripped of my spouse, children, home and worldly possessions. I was in a place where it was just God and I. Thankfully he provided me with some insight and a couple of amazing people that placed me on the right path. Out of that tragedy, I authored my first book “The Divorced Dad Reset”. A short E-book on some of the adjustment points that come with the pivot back to single life and the beginning of a different kind of fatherhood. One of the things i emphasize in the book, and also at speaking engagements, You may no longer hold the title of “husband” however, you remain a FATHER!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After witnessing and being apart of countless negative interactions with law enforcement, i jumped into the profession wanting to be “the spook who sat by the door”. After a number of years i learned that the real change cannot come on the front line but within policy and frontline community work. In my current role, I work with a company that pushes for community involvement and engagement placing me at the forefront of my passion. Exiting Law enforcement I also learned the importance of mental health specifically with black men. There is almost a level “comfort” that we have with trauma and chaos. We have been deemed stronger than most by others and have fallen into believing this trope. Therefore, we self diagnose, self medicate and self resolve issues that should be handled by professionals. Over time, i have learned there is strength in admitting weakness. An important thing about my brand and my life overall is that I am constantly a work in progress. I tell people that I am “Imperfect dinna mug” due to my daily learning and falling short. Romans 3:23 says we all do and once we wrap our big brains around the fact we are pursuing perfection daily, it removes some of the weight. Turn your losses into lessons.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If any of my folks from LA were to visit ATL, I would be doing them a disservice with a tour (LOL). The area has a ton of amazing sights and sounds that I don’t necessarily dabble in. I mean i cant pull up for Lou Williams famous lemon pepper wings at Magic City however, 2819 Church, Zoo ATL, Botanical Gardens, or the Delta Museum, I gotcha. One of the biggest upsides of living here is the access to the best airport in the world and the fact we are 4 hours from beautiful beaches.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to each of my children. Their lives and future have motivated me to be better every single day. My role as a father, no matter how difficult it seems, is to lay a foundation for them to be successful spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially long after I am gone. They push me to establish a legacy that carries on for years
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustacfoster/
Twitter: https://x.com/augustacfoster
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@themantalkmondaypod