Meet J. Lavone Roberson | Author*Educator*Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with J. Lavone Roberson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J. Lavone, what do you want your legacy to be?
The Now I Am Nia Foundation, Inc. is my legacy. I started this business after my second cancer diagnosis because God gave me the word PURPOSE after praying one day. I was struggling with the fact that at 38 years old I had become a two time cancer survivor and a barren woman. I had always planned to be a mother and name my daughter Nia so when I heard God say PURPOSE… I knew he was speaking to me about my legacy. Nia means purpose. I named my business Now I Am Nia because I want everything I do to center around purpose. My legacy is one of grace. I want people to remember that I was a learner. I used every encounter, opportunity, and new day to learn more about the world around me. I am an educator. As a classroom teacher for over 14 years and an Academic Director I know how important it is to learn and then share what you’ve learned with others, especially children. I am also here to serve. I understand how important it is to help others and to share whatever God blesses me with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I attended Hampton University as a first generation college student. I remember people giving me envelopes with $10 in it to help make my college transition easier. I knew early on that I was in college for everyone who had paved the way before me. I was there for my grandfather’s who both never got a formal education. I was extremely proud and overwhelmed by that. I majored in Sociology because I knew I wanted to work in social services. When I graduated I took a job at a preschool and knew I wanted to be a teacher. I got my master’s in Elementary Education and taught for 14 years. During that time I got an ABD Doctorate in Elementary Education and took a role as Academic Director. One of the biggest challenges I had was feeling like the more I learned the more I saw the racism that existed in education. It became morally challenging because I saw how the achievement gap was created.

When I started my own business I knew I would connect with other black owned or minority owned businesses. I knew how important it would be for us to work together and support each other. I also knew how important it would be for me to create a plan to serve in communities that don’t otherwise get support. I also knew that when I was in a position to hire people I hired people from the communities that I planned to serve. One thing I am proud of is that we don’t turn away applicants convicted of non-violent felonies. At The Now I Am Nia Foundation, Inc. we are aware of systemic racism and how that impacts the number of black men who have been incarcerated.

I have learned A LOT of lessons along the way but the most important one was to MIND YOUR BUISNESS. What I mean by that is you can’t compare your journey or business to others. You have to stay focused on your own plan and move forward. There will be times when NOTHING is being done and NO MONEY is coming in but you have to keep going. You have to recreate yourself and try new things. I have a non-profit so I have to find ways to market and promote so I can get grants, donors, etc.. but if they don’t support – I continue. I don’t allow the support or lack thereof stop me from doing what I am purposed to do.

What the world should know about my story is that The Now I Am Nia Foundation, Inc. was created at one of the lowest points in my life. It was created to give ME purpose but in-turn has helped so many others. This business was created to bring all of the things I love together: educating, learning, and serving. Each day I am proud to see the people we have been able to bless because of one small idea that God gave me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is my second home. It is ALWAYS a VIBE! I love staying downtown and overlooking the city from my hotel room – I prefer the top floor of the Westin because of the huge windows. I shop at Lenox and definitely grab brunch. I can’t choose a favorite place because Atlanta has SO many brunch spots. I get my photo’s done by Gilly @AFewProductions and my tshirts by Brandon @ExxtraMayoTees. I never leave without visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights because I am always humbled by my ancestor’s journey for my liberties.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to Shoutout Horizons at NCCS for recognizing the brilliance and potential of students of color and for giving them space and genuine care to help them to grow and learn their own greatness. This program has been a huge part of my life and success and I feel blessed to see how it continues to do what it takes to provide opportunities to its students.

Website: www.NowIAmNia.org

Instagram: @NowIAmNia

Twitter: @NowIAmNia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowIAmNia1/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqgf2Hvu0nKzyjikZCkzL2g

Image Credits
Gilbert Mitchell @GillyFrmPhilly @AFewProductions