Carlton Brownfield

My African American Heritage, My American Dream

by Carlton Brownfield

As an African American, my journey has been profoundly shaped by both the challenges I’ve faced and the unwavering support of my mother. Growing up, I witnessed her tireless advocacy for high-quality education in underserved communities, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or resources. Her voice was always loud and clear, speaking out for those who lacked representation and support. She instilled in me the importance of standing up for what’s right and fighting for the values that are deeply embedded in my heritage and continue to drive my American dream.

        From the very beginning, my life was filled with obstacles. I was born premature and faced numerous health challenges that required multiple surgeries. For the first few years of my life, I could neither hear nor speak. This made me feel isolated and “different” from my peers. In school, I struggled to connect with others and communicate effectively. These challenges could have made me feel defeated, but I was blessed to have my mother by my side, who ensured I received the specialized therapy and healthcare I needed to grow and thrive. Her belief in me never wavered and became my foundation for overcoming obstacles.

I continue to work toward my dream of becoming a nurse, and I am deeply committed to community engagement and social justice, especially for marginalized groups. I see the struggles that Black males, children with disabilities, and low-income families face when it comes to healthcare; often, they lack proper advocacy and the care they deserve. My personal experience with the healthcare system, where I sometimes felt misunderstood or disconnected from medical professionals who didn’t share my background, fuels my desire to change this narrative.