Today we’d like to introduce you to Classie Fouse & Ashunti Grayson
Hi Classie & Ashunti, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ashunti Grayson
I was born and raised in Memphis. I love the culture of my city and was a majorette in high school. I continued dancing in college and am a proud graduate of Tennessee State University. Although my family faced challenges when I was growing up, a fond memory I have was in the summertime when a local group of volunteers would bring lunch to the kids in my neighborhood since we were not able to eat a school lunch during the summer break. I always appreciated those people and wanted to help others in that way. Mental illness has hit my family hard. My grandmother struggled with schizophrenia most of her life. She was my favorite person even though a lot of times I would not understand her or understand why people would treat her the way they did. My passion for social work is rooted in the experiences of my childhood. I realized I wanted to utilize my talents and resources to provide others the support that was given to me.
Classie Fouse
My Story Of Why Strong City Memphis Took Reality Is Because I Myself Was Impacted With Trauma That Lead To Dealing With Mental Health After Losing My 2 Handsome Son In Murder 2 years Apart My Oldest In 2020 And Middle Son In 2022 The Pain And Hurt Caused Me So Much Suffering And Heartaches. The Passions And Joy To Help Others At That Time Had Took A Really Dark Turn In My Life. I Became Angry And Isolated As I Watch My Family Suffering With Sorrows And Pain. It took Some Time For Me To Balance It All, So I Continue To Work With Adolescents And Helping Them With Their Challenges Gave Me A Sense Of Purpose And Healing. That Lead To Our Organization That Focuses Solely On Educating Individuals On Generation Trauma. All For Me Is In Memories Of My Sons. Ashunti Has Been A Great Friend And Partner I Remember When We Met At Lakeside And She’s Always Very Inspiring And Her Expertise Has Been So Inspiring To The Patients. Through My Journey She Has Been A Great Vessel That Really Impacted My Life And For That I Am So Grateful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ashunti Grayson
It was not until I met my good friend, Classie Fouse, that I became rooted in my cause to effect change the way I imagined as a child. I met Classie while employed at a mental health hospital in Memphis. Classie was experiencing a lot of grief from tragically losing two sons in recent years. She dealt with this by helping others, sympathizing with others, and changing people’s lives through her words. Classie and I connected instantly while employed together. She saw in me what I saw in her: grief, trauma, love, and passion for change for the children and families who come from Memphis. We identified generational trauma as a significant obstacle in our lives and the lives of families we work with. After months of talking about our past and goals for the future, we decided to come together as a team to combat generational trauma. We have been in the planning stages to get our organization up and running for several months. We are hoping to partner with schools, juvenile facilities, community centers, and families across the city. We are currently working to get our name out there in the community because we are here to stay.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ashunti Grayson
I am currently a social worker at a children’s hospital in Memphis. I provide resources to families. I follow up with the family to show that someone is here and cares. Also, I make sure families are connected to services they need, make sure they have transportation to appointments, and provide emotional support. In our careers we see a revolving door of children who are treated then return home to the same environment. This often causes them to fall into the same trap, make the same mistakes, and end up in the same position over and over. We want to include the parents and the family support system more when treating kids. We believe a lot of generational trauma is hard to fix without the input, acknowledgement or change from the parents/caregivers (in some situations). This is where we step in.
Classie Fouse
I Am A Group Facilitator/Life Coach At Lakeside Behavioral Health And I Have Seen Patients Go Through So Much Because Of Their Challenges And Trauma. I take great effort and passion educating them on how to be aware of their emotions and challenges that’s could not only effect their behavior in ways that could cause them to react in ways that not only to harm themselves but others as well. So in group I bring their attention on how to use positive coping skills like journaling, create vision boards, or talking to a professional such as psychiatrist, therapist, and counselors. But most importantly communicate with their parents or guardians. This is my daily task at work to help my patients to regain hope that will give them goals and purpose to move forward in life that they can heal from their challenges.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Ashunti Grayson & Classie Fouse
We love that all of our family is here still living in Memphis where we were born and raised. what we like best about the City of Memphis is individuals that’s willing to step up and make a difference in our communities by helping to stop crime and by assisting our youth in ways that builds their self-esteem and mental health challenges. By doing so mentoring them will empower our youth to be future leaders and positive influencers for their generation.
What we dislike about our city is how that it feels there’s no value for one’s life and we need more homicide detectives because so much crime and deaths lead to some murders not getting solved that leaves a painful residue of challenges to face and brokenness that leave disparity within the families that’s been impacted by such tragedies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strongcitymemphis.org
- Instagram: Strong City Memphis
- Facebook: Strong City Memphis
