Last week, the mother of a 7 year old girl from Sacramento, CA drove her daughter all the way to Oakland to visit the Ella Baker Center. Her goal was to demonstrate the power of her name.  This young girl was named after an unsung hero of the civil rights movements-- yes, her name is Ella Baker.

Ella and her mom toured our center and met some of our staff who were overjoyed to meet young Ella. She event went home with memorabilia with her name on it.  All of the excitement was so overwhelming for her,  she hid behind her mother most of the time.

Ella Baker, a  shy young girl who was adopted at the age of one, may not yet realize understand the importance of her name. But the legacy of Miss Baker is empowering people to stand for something and giving people voices and hope durin a time when things were hopeless.  These are some big shoes to fill. But after talking to her mom I think Ella is more than up for the challenge.

Meeting this new Ms. Ella Baker renewed my hope and commitment to young people. Be on the look out for Ella Baker to make a return and continue the important legacy of sharing inspiration with the world.