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I was once an inner-city kid and one with big dreams. But one who has also had to endure and battle the social determinants of health, and all that entails. Growing up on the east side of Cleveland wasn’t always easy. Seeing negative things always propelled me to how I didn’t want to live my life. But I survived. I survived because arts-programming saved me. Now I have the opportunity to become the change I want to see. Playing piano at the age of 5, singing in the Cleveland boy choir, sports and performing theatrical productions at the Cleveland School of the Arts all made me who I am today, a man who serves for the betterment of his community and his children. I am elated to say that, without the arts, I wouldn’t be here today.