Note: This episode contains some profanity and an honest discussion about racism, including details about racially motivated incidents, that may not be suitable for a younger audience.
My guest this week moved to the Valley less than a year ago, but she’s already made a significant impact. In the last few weeks since George Floyd’s tragic death reinvigorated the Black Lives Matter movement to end systemic racism, as well as the call for white folks to become allies and confront white privilege and fragility, I’ve heard her name in several conversations I’ve had among friends about actions we as a small community can take to promote justice and equality. Vashti Wilson may not have sought out this new role she’s been thrust into, but many have experienced her inspiring leadership.
Her speech captivated attendees at the Solvang vigil for George Floyd. She organized a soul affirming gathering to celebrate Juneteenth in Solvang Park, and is putting together a series of raw and real conversations about race. And she’s just getting started. Air Force combat veteran, cryptologic linguist, MBA holder, entrepreneur, community activist, and mother to Madison, Vashti Wilson has courageously stepped into a leadership role to promote equality and justice in our community.
Vashti’s daughter Madison has also become a local activist in her own right, partnering with the Book Loft to create Madi’s Treasure Box, raising over $3,000 (at last check) to donate multicultural books and multicultural skin tone crayons to local elementary schools.
In our conversation we discuss Vashti’s eclectic resume, her experiences confronting racism, including racially motivated arrests both she and her bother experienced at the hands of police, her move to the Valley, and upcoming efforts to bring awareness, justice, and equality to our community.
This episode is longer than previous episodes. The second half includes a no holds barred discussion about Vashti's experience with racism and her ideas about how we, as community members, can make small differences that matter. I hope you'll stick with it.
Also mentioned in this episode: Dino Explorerz, Succulent Cafe, Bethania Lutheran, St. Mark’s in the Valley, Happyes Boxes, Solvang School, Laura McVicar, Randall Day, Chris Brown, The Book Loft, Pura Luna Apothecary, SYV Racial Justice Facebook group, Madi’s Treasure box GoFundMe. To participate in the Raw Real Race Conversation Vashti mentions in this episode, please email her at [email protected].
Solvang Pedicab Tours is featured in Small Business Spotlight.