We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Anuru, LMSW, MPH and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think growing up as a Hood Black girl fighting to survive was a big risk in and of itself! Being grown now and trying to balance being traumatized, healing, and constantly aiming for thriving in an unjust world definitely makes me realize how much of an accomplishment it is just to be Black and alive. I have always wanted to be a container of safe space, a soft place for people to land so creating Dream Keep was honestly second nature. If I’ve always been risking my life, why not dream as big as possible and protect those dreams? I created Dream Keep Consulting (DKC) so that I could have a space in the world where I could be my Hood Scholar self unapologetically and support the youth of my many communities by targeting the people that have the power to support them. The Bronx (and many other Hoods) made me so how could I not give back?! So many organizations make a lot of money to say they are “saving” Black kids and labeling youth that are like me and my fam as less than. I think the biggest risk I’ve ever taken has been constantly re-centering The Hood in every area of my life – I grew up with a lot of anti-Black narratives, even from other Black folks. Academia is not kind to folks like me and I have always sought my education as a tool to best serve MY community. I represent The Hood unapologetically. My authenticity is my greatest risk and I would risk all again, every single time.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dream Keep Consulting creates learning opportunities that promote self-reflection, community care, and activism – with the purpose of enhancing the well-being of hood youth everywhere. DKC is here for hood Black youth and young adults, their caregivers, and the human service professionals that serve them. Dream Keep offers 3 types of services: 1) Facilitation & Speaking – workshops, panels, & discussions 2) Capacity Building – program, project, and organizational development and support, and 3) Evaluation services. Dream Keep is different because we’re real! Lived experience and expertise supports all theory knowledge we share! We have the hard conversations and teach the tough topics so that true systemic change can actually happen. Systems are people and as such, supporting people is the most direct way to transform how things are done.

Creating Dream Keep was challenging because I had to say everything with my chest! (I still do!) Branding was difficult at first because I didn’t want to code switch about who I supporting. I was told I should say “urban” or “at-risk” numerous times and I had to realize that internalized racism and anti-Blackness was not my load to carry! I love the Hood – many of which aren’t even in urban areas – and I get to honor and name my magnificent culture. I’m happily ghetto – zero shame. I’m here for Black liberation and growth! I think that in order for Black folks to truly be free in America, we will go through a lot more traumatic events, so I create spaces and resources that will support us through every stage of change and transformation as a community. I also challenge people from other races and communities to hold themselves accountable to growing away from anti-Blackness since it is so pervasive. DKC was created to manifest true, lasting change that is beneficial to everyone – since when you uplift and center those at the margins, everyone wins.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I’m in the Atlanta area – I’m mostly in Riverdale and College Park with the fam – I have 13 nieces and nephews yall! Once I get all my Auntie Becca love, I definitely need my American Deli wings: lemon pepper extra wet. I always miss that Georgia air, so I am known to pull up to a park and just relax in the sun blasting some music and enjoying myself with friends. There are so many places to eat and drink out here, but special shout out to Fin & Feathers Riverdale for loving on me during my latest visit!

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 shout out my beautiful mama, Rebecca Beatrice Lewis! She passed when I was 2 days old and there is not a day that goes by that I do not thank her immensely for my shot at life and her sacrifices. I’m so grateful to know all the greatest parts of her through my family. I’m so happy to be her namesake!

Website: https://www.dreamkeepconsulting.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dreamkeepconsultingllc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccarubyanuru/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1RrNm9yGes4

Image Credits
Christian Lovehall (for professional photoshoot images); Rebecca Ruby Anuru, LMSW, MPH (for DKC branded images)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.