By Nia Simone McLeod
Along with great food and family get-togethers, another thing that goes perfectly with the holiday season is gratitude. It’s the perfect time to get introspective and ask ourselves what really matters within our lives. Here at Urban Views Weekly, we’re putting our ear to the streets and asking Richmonders near and far what they’re most thankful for during this upcoming holiday season.
Brent Solomon
Anchor on NBC12 News at 4:30 pm on CW Richmond
Reporter on NBC 12 News at 11pm
“In a time where people focus their time and efforts on outshining others, I believe in taking a step back to reflect on the many blessings we already have. This Thanksgiving season, I am thankful for good health, family, and peace that shines through all situations. While we always seek to climb to the next level, never forget there is someone who wishes they were in your shoes. Take a moment to be grateful for the things you’ve accomplished and never forget the simple things and the joy they bring. This is our now!”
Bryce Collier
Publicist & Social Media Strategist
website
“I am thankful for so many things. Mostly, I am thankful for my family. They inspire me so much and support me in every endeavor I pursue. I’ve always been a very ambitious person and having a strong support system to encourage me is priceless. I will never take them for granted.”
Taryn Hayes
Assistant Director of Recruitment and
Pipeline Programs
“This Thanksgiving I’m most thankful for my village. At 25, I feel like I have finally found a core group of people who willingly and faithfully love me for me and that’s something really invaluable.”
Black Liquid
MC, Teacher, WRIR 97.3FM and WDCE 90.1 FM DJ, Promoter
“I am thankful for my failures, my success, and for the abundance of opportunities I get to learn from this path that compels me and the people around me.”
Hollis Jo McCollum
Author
website
“So many things! The obvious answer being my friends, family, food to eat, roof over my head, etc. However there are so many other magical things in this world to be thankful for. I’m thankful for the face my cat makes when she smells something bad. I’m thankful for how adorable a toddler sounds when you get them to try to say long, complicated words like “astronomical.” All of those beautiful and ridiculous nuances of the world that make us smile and realize the world is a brilliant place.”
Joy Rush
Certified Kids Yoga Instructor
website
“I am thankful for the opportunity to help our new generation incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and yoga into their lives at an early age to help defeat anxiety and many other mental disorders and provide a relief from everyday stressors building happy and healthy minds and bodies.”
Jacob Sexton
VCU Senior
“I’m thankful for making it through the semester at VCU. I’m thankful to be closer to a first generation college graduate. I’m thankful to see my family still alive and well and I’m thankful to have a great support system.”
Julia Warren
Executive Director of Celebrate RVA
“This year, I’m thankful for the opportunity to create joy in our community. It is a true blessing to watch children begin to recognize what an important role their lives play in our city and the significance of their birthday. I’m thankful for all the birthday candles I’ve watched be blown out and all the laughter I’ve been blessed to hear. It’s a clear sign that tangible moments of celebration are integral to our children’s lives – which is why we have a vision for every child to have the opportunity to be able to experience something as simple as a birthday party. I’m thankful for all those that have celebrated alongside us and look forward to celebrating even more birthdays in 2019!”
Rodney Lofton
Vice President and Deputy Director, Diversity Richmond
“As we approach this Thanksgiving Holiday, I am thankful for many things this year. Although at times I take it for granted, I am thankful to see another day in God’s glorious creation. I am also thankful for a wonderful and loving husband and three incredible dogs we adopted from Sanctuary Rescue. I am also thankful to work with and on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in Central Virginia, continuing to strive and work for full inclusion and equity here in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Michael Price
VCU Student
“I am thankful for the wonderful life I have, the things I know, and the people I’ve met. I’m thankful for the blessing of health and the little things, like decent wifi.”
