Inspiring Conversations with Candra Reeves of Center for Social Justice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candra Reeves. 

Hi Candra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I’m a Liberian-American life and style blogger at CancanRoynelle with a passion for African print. After graduating from the University of Georgia, I moved to Cincinnati to pursue a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. I landed a job after graduation at the university focused on corrections research. While working here, I needed a creative outlet, and to reclaim my lost time of not wearing African print because I was teased when I was younger and started my blog in 2016. Realizing that my Cincinnati job was not my passion, I moved to the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) to return to school – at American University – in Washington DC. My pursuit was another graduate degree more focused on my passion area and living a fashionable life in a bigger city. I’ve since returned to Cincinnati, working for a nonprofit advocating for police reform and accountability. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has not been easy. I realized, a little late in the game, that I focused too much of my time focusing on doing what everyone else did instead of doing what was best for me. Blogging is not for the weak – it costs a lot of money and time to create content that might not get the views that you want. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Center for Social Justice?
After applying and getting denied jobs for 2 years, I started working at the CSJ in October 2020. We work collaboratively with police departments and community members to advance police reform efforts in Southwestern Ohio. We focus on policy advocacy, data collection on local policing practices, community education, and developing community-centered solutions to ensure the commitments to reform are carried through. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
What’s meant for you will not pass you by – I’ve experienced this so many times in my life. It doesn’t matter where you are, what you are doing, what’s meant for you will find you and allow you to walk in your lane meant for you. 

Extending myself grace – no one is perfect and learning new things means I’m not going to get it right on the first attempt. Extending grace to myself will help build my confidence as I continue to protect my peace, establish boundaries, and achieve my goals. 

Contact Info:

• Website: cancanroynelle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancanroynelle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancanroynelle
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/cancanroynelle/_created/

Image Credits Dorese Jenae Portraits