On Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM, Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee of Miami-Dade County, District 9, and many members of the community—including Cleve Bell of Riverside House—gathered for the honoring ceremony and unveiling of Desmond Meade Street.
There’s a powerful African proverb that reminds us of the importance of community: “It takes a village to raise a child.” While often quoted in the context of raising children, it’s also a profound reminder that no success is achieved alone.
Desmond Meade’s incredible journey is a true testament to this truth. Once a resident of Riverside House, Desmond faced and overcame immense challenges. With the support of a community and his own resilience, he has risen to become a beacon of hope and change.
Today, Desmond serves as the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, a graduate of Florida International University College of Law, a Ford Global Fellow, and a 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow.
This celebration is a reminder that when we come together as a “village,” lives can transform, and barriers can be broken. We are so proud to celebrate Desmond’s achievements and the inspiration he brings to us all.
