Wendi Rodgers: A Voice for Change, A Champion for Community
As Black History Month comes to a close and Women’s History Month begins, we are honored to feature our Board Secretary, Wendi Rodgers, and her reflections on what Black history means to her. Her leadership, wisdom, and passion inspire us every day as we continue our mission to serve the community.
Black history is American history, and we are committed to celebrating and uplifting the voices that shape our world—yesterday, today, and always.
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you originally from? How long have you lived in Greenville?
My parents moved from Columbia, SC to Greenville when I was a baby. This is home for me. I attended Southside High School and later moved to Atlanta to attend school at Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU. I came home for a year and then attended Syracuse University for graduate school. I moved back to Atlanta after that and lived the life I “dreamed of”, partying and living beyond my means, for about two years. My dad caught wind of my lifestyle at the time and told me to pack it up! I was (thankfully) forced back home in 2007.
By night, I’m a data collection technician and appointed “in-house communications expert” for the USPS. I also like to sing, perform in local theatre, and look at clothes and style all day.
How did you learn about Project Host and what drew you here?
Project Host is near and dear to me. My brother Baash, now deceased, was a student in the culinary school. He was so excited about the class and his graduation. It was a proud moment for him after encountering some of life’s challenges.
I later became a member of Leadership Greenville, Class 40 and had the ability to tour and eat lunch here one afternoon. My mind was blown by the work and amount of people served daily. Knowing that this place offered what would be some people’s only meal for the day moved me.
I later volunteered for a shift and it was a little overwhelming for me because I had to find out how to get in where I fit in. The volunteers were passionate and definitely had their systems down. I wanted to help and be out of the way at the same time.
I found a way to help by enrolling in the culinary school. I wasn’t the traditional, or intended student, but my day time availability allowed me to help prepare meals for the Cooking with Kids program and get a close up view of all of the amazing programs outside of the soup kitchen that were offered.
I was amazed by the staff and the community here. I asked what were the requirements to serve on their board and here I am three years later. They won't be able to get rid of me!
In your words, why is it important to celebrate Black History Month? What does it mean to you?
Celebrating Black History Month is essential because it honors the rich culture, achievements, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It's a dedicated time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Black experience in America, acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that continue.
For me, Black History Month serves as a dynamic reminder of the resilience and strength of my ancestors. It's an opportunity to educate myself and others about the true history of Black people, beyond slavery and civil rights, to include stories of innovation, leadership, and even artistic expression. This month encourages a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that continue to affect Black communities and inspires collective action toward equity and justice.
Black History Month is a celebration of Black joy, culture, and excellence. It's a time to uplift and amplify Black voices, and recognize the profound impact they've had on every facet of society. It’s a source of pride and a call to acknowledge the past, educate the present, and transform the future.
What figure in Black history do you look up to most and why?
The most recognizable figure would be Harriet Tubman. Her revolutionary, yet still kind of “gangsta”, approach to leading people to freedom is unmatched. For her to make several returns on the journey took immense courage. Her boldness to state she would shoot anyone who wanted to turn back showed she was serious about her mission. Anyone who posed a threat to the overall execution of escape had to go!
However, there are some lesser known names in history that I was drawn towards such as Dr. Georgia Gilmore.
Dr. Gilmore founded the Club from Nowhere, a secret collective of Black women who sold homemade meals like fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potato pies to raise money for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The name ensured that donations couldn’t be traced, protecting members from retaliation. She was vibrant and fearless. Her work wasn’t just about the movement, it was about community.
Food insecurity is one of my top issues that I personally donate my time towards addressing. Dr. Gilmore made sure no one went hungry, often feeding people even if they couldn’t pay. Her home became a gathering place, where food, strategy, and resistance came together.
Though she passed in 1990, her impact is still felt today, with chefs and activists celebrating her legacy as a food justice pioneer. She is a shining example of how everyday acts, such as cooking and building community, can be powerful tools for change.
What are some pressing issues facing the Black community today that need more attention?
One of the major standouts for me is the breakdown of the Black family. I grew up in a family where I had support, encouragement, love, and correction when needed. I was taught discipline and accountability. Right was right, wrong was wrong and you knew the difference. Historically, the Black family has been the core of resilience and support. However, recent decades have seen a significant increase in single-parent households, with nearly 70% of Black children born to single mothers. This shift has overwhelming implications, as children in single-parent families are more susceptible to poverty, behavioral issues, and academic challenges. Factors contributing to this trend include systemic economic disparities, mass incarceration disproportionately affecting Black men, and social policies that somehow discourage two-parent households.
Also, political representation and civil rights are other concerns. While there has been an increase in Black political representation, challenges are still present. Recent policy proposals, like Project 2025, threaten to reverse civil rights gains and disproportionately harm Black communities. We must be vigilant and advocate to protect and advance the political power and rights of Black Americans.
What accomplishment are you most proud of that relates to your Black identity?
I’ve been blessed to travel to various countries and see and experience other Black people in the diaspora. It’s amazing to me to be on a completely different continent and see a new, yet familiar face. Smiles, laughter, and rhythm do not have to be translated. The universal “black nod” of recognition amongst each other is unmatched.
How can individuals actively contribute to dismantling systemic racism in their communities?
Dismantling systemic racism requires both personal accountability and action as a whole. It starts with educating ourselves about the true history of racial inequality in America and recognizing how systemic barriers are still present today. Knowledge alone isn’t enough; we must turn awareness into action by doing the following:
1) Advocate and Speak Up: Challenge racist policies, microaggressions, and biased narratives in workplaces, schools, and social circles. Staying silent says that everything is okay.
2) Support Black Businesses and Organizations: Economic empowerment is a form of resistance. Invest in Black-owned businesses and support policies that promote economic equity.
3) Engage in Political Action: Vote in every election, from local to national, with racial equity in mind. Push for policies that address disparities in housing ( a major issue in Greenville), education, and criminal justice. Hold elected officials accountable.
4) Mentor and Uplift the Next Generation: Representation matters! Whether through volunteering or mentoring, especially Black youth, you give them the ability to see themselves as powerful agents of change.
Dismantling systemic racism isn’t a trend; it’s a lifelong commitment. We all have a role to play and with the way things are going, we must act now.