Help KingDemetrius and His Children Buy a Home

Hello world. Life recently threw me for a loop. Last month Covid had me fighting for survival. My oxygen levels were half that of normal. I could barely breathe, and trying to speak even three words was painstakingly difficult. I kept thinking about my mom dying of cancer at 52, and there I was, also lying in a hospital bed at 52 years of age. The constant thought crossing my mind was what would happen to my five children if I didn’t make it.

 

Thankfully, I survived. However, the realization of how vulnerable my kids would be without their dad hit hard. I still worry about their security if something happens to me out on the streets, where I’ve dedicated my time and skills to covering social issues. It’s not always safe. I’ve been maced, tear gassed, kettled, and threatened with imprisonment and even death. I come at them with cameras; they come at me with weapons.

 

It’s been said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” When I was in the hospital, the community took it upon themselves and set up a plan for my children… to make sure they were fed and checked on daily. As a single dad, I am truly grateful. You are all awesome. You all stood by my family when I was man down. Just as I’ve been fully loyal and dedicated to the Cause, documenting events for the past 8 years, the community returned that loyalty to us.

 

I appreciate that my work has been showcased this year at InProgress, Hennepin Theater Trust, and in the MN Spokesman-Recorder. I gained worldwide publicity when other media outlets picked up my reflective writings of the Derek Chauvin trial.

 

I am humbled and honored to announce that several community members recently nominated me for various awards. It's unexpected yet awesome to have received a Facing Race Award, the McKnight Foundation's Unsung Hero Award, and a Racial Justice Network's Liberation Lens: Celebrating Movement Journalism Award. Two of these included a much needed monetary gift, as I do my work out of passion, with no guaranteed pay. After my Covid scare, I hope to use these gifts towards a house downpayment.

 

I just received word on 10/28/2021 that following a serious surgery, our landlord can no longer continue to oversee his properties, and consequently we will need to move from the house we’ve been renting from him.

 

There is a beautiful tradition in some societies in which family and friends take turns building the sustainable wealth of the others. Currently, my children and I are seeking secure housing and need to purchase a home. Setting a goal of $300,000 is reasonable for the housing market and can surely be met if everyone pitches in even small amounts. I hope you value my past contributions and can contribute to this goal. It will allow me to become self-sufficient and continue the ListenMedia USA platform.