Growing up in Farragut Houses in Brooklyn, Annette Robinson saw things in her community that she wanted to help change and improve. She was born as a compassionate people-person whose goal was to beautify and spread light to her community. She often contributes to her community by interacting and volunteering at many places, such as food pantries at churches, community centers, and senior centers.
The first step in Robinson’s journey of volunteering were the food pantries she participated in at church. Three days a week she dedicates her time to volunteering at the food pantry in preparation for Saturday, in which the church gives away the food they prepared the day before. Volunteering at the food pantry not only makes her feel better through hard times but also inspired her to create her own women’s community group, Encouraging Hearts.
They meet once a month and do a topic box discussion where women can write topics they’re concerned about or want to talk about, anonymously. This allows them to meet new people and find support in a safe and welcoming community. Additionally, with the help of a group of women, she prepares and serves food and refreshments to enjoy during the meetings. Robinson describes, “We all come together. We’re not looking at color. We are looking at us coming together as women building each other, strengthening each other, encouraging each other, loving each other, motivating each other, and pushing each other to go out and do whatever is in us to want to do.” Robinson also frequently calls the women in her community group and offers prayers in their time of need to express love that she feels is her purpose in life. She also states, “Love is better than having money in the bank because money is fleeting, but when you leave an impact on people and when you’re leaving love in their hearts, they’re always going to remember what you placed inside — the words, wisdom, the motivation, the gifts, and the love that you show them.”
Robinson believes that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if they stay positive and put their mind to it. “Keep persevering so you get what you want in life. Don’t worry about being afraid. You won’t know how it’s going to turn out if you don’t try.” Robinson’s mindset in life is to always stay positive as she believes that a positive mind will bring you a positive life.
She wants to spread love to people, especially those who may not have been able to experience it before, to experience the beauty and support in life. Additionally, she hopes to continue to expand Encouraging Hearts and to beautify the community and world. Her contribution and impact through Encouraging hearts and her long-consistent volunteering in her community by volunteering make her an impactful Community Hero of New York City.
