What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
I n the next ten years, I see Knoxville as being the “go to” city that other cities pattern processes after that are formed from the collective voice of an inclusive, diverse and unified city to address and resolve pertinent issues that affect the viability and sustainability of that city. I see Knoxville continuing to grow by embracing new and innovative possibilities combined with pulling from historical multiracial and multicultural successes of which this city is so fondly remembered by so many.
What is Knoxville's best kept secret?
Many have heard of the Carpetbag Theatre which is renowned for its illustrative, soul-stirring performances that are often centered around multifaceted injustices. However, this is not the only mission of the Carpetbag Theatre. It is a teaching organization that gives young people opportunity to uncover, explore and thrive in their innate creativity that is purposed to be shared with the world.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
An uninformed community is powerless against anything or anyone that might not have its best interest at heart. I would promote positive relational growth by clearing the pathways of communication. Each community is entitled to leaders who are accurately informed and who have intentional positive relational presence in his/her community. Communities should not have partial information related to the city in which they are a part of. Government should not be the decision maker on what information is or is not useful for which community.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
"Performing at the 1982 World’s Fair. My husband and I started dating the week after performing at the World's Fair with our gospel group, “The
Family Touch.” We married i n 1984."
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
My favorite book is also the book that was hardest for me to read. It’s called “Our Fathers Who Art in Heaven” Life Lessons from my Father. The author is my youngest brother, Rev. Rodric K. Reid and it is about his relationship with our father, Rev. Dr. Walter W. Reid, Sr., our God and our family.
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
“Love God, love the people, and you’ll be alright!” The mentor was my father, Rev. Dr. Walter W. Reid, Sr. In my opinion the next best thing to Jesus. He lived and breathed servant leadership.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Be authentic. No one in this world can be a better you than you. Being totally transparent, the biggest mistakes in my life were made trying to be something or someone that I was not. It has taken me decades to finally experience the freedom of total authenticity.
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