Meet Lorreen Pryor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorreen Pryor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorreen, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Serving others makes me happy. Because a lot of times we go through life and we don’t stop to take inventory of how life experiences have shaped us. We move from job to job, environment from environment and we never realize in the moment what each experience taught us. Hindsight has truly been 2020

What should our readers know about your business?
Black Youth Leadership Project was founded in 1999, by Black Capitol staff at the State Capitol. Prior to the pandemic most of our programs took place in the Capitol building. In 2017 we established our Social Justice Bootcamp program and in 2018, BYLP launched our Advocacy program to take the knowledge we had learned as Capitol staff and put it into practice in the Sacramento region. What I am most proud of is during the pandemic we were able to create and implement 4 Support Networks; (Black Boys Support Network (BBSN), Black Girls Support Network (BGSN), BYLP Allies to Abolitionists Support Network (BAASN) and Black Parents Support Network (BPSN). With these networks we are able to check in on the social emotional needs of our extended community as we process how life has changed due to the global pandemic. The pandemic caused many to feel isolated, alone, disconnected and hopeless. Through our Support Networks and Groups (the Dora – A Black Women’s Support Group & The Door – A Black Men’s Support Group) we’ve been able to create communities where lines of communication were open and needs were expressed and taken care of. I am most excited about our podcast venture Black v The Board of Education where I sit with teens weekly as we talk about topics they choose. Providing a safe space where they are seen and valued has been tremendously impactful for our students. At BYLP everything we do is done with intentionality. We lead with heart not head. What sets us apart is our program is run by volunteers who love the community that they are serving. Transitioning from the Capitol into our own office space in 2021 has been insane yet challenging. I love the fact that we were able to provide a space where students could come and be creative as we trained them to take over our social media accounts, but having to do so on a shoestring budget was hard. The fact that I left my full-time job to become a dedicated volunteer to all things BYLP was humbling and yet terrifying (thank goodness for my husband). I could no longer sit in my cushy office at the Capitol with Black families experiencing so much injustice in the education system. Easy? Absolutely not but it was the best decision for me. I’ve learned that there is nothing wrong with being specific with your language. I am an advocate for Black children and their families. When I come in the room I am clear with my language and expectations. I have used all of my experiences to delve headfirst into the abyss. I use the skills amassed at the Capitol to dissect and co-write policies and procedures. I have even used the legislative process to help me understand the how local governments and school boards function. I am unapologetic in my advocacy style. I have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. I want kids that look like me to have access to places that build them up instead of tear them down, and if that mean that we go school by school, so be it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best-friends and I prefer to travel to a destination. So if we went to somewhere new…

Denise would plan a whole itinerary that I would absolutely not participate in if anything was schedule before 9am. Scratch that 10am. Exquisitive would be checking the yelp reviews for any restaurant in 15 mile radius to plan the places we would be eating during our stay. We would look to see if there are any live music venues were close and find a mall. Since we all live in separate places we would be focused on spending time together, relaxing and Denise and I would be looking for someone who provide massages, since we know that Exquisitive wont participate because she doesn’t like anyone touching her. Lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mom, Candy Jackson who never allowed me to wallow in my tears too long. My daughter Jada, who taught me how to be selfless and my Husband Brandon who puts up with my various mood swings lol. To my BFFs Denise, Exquisitive, Shannon and Salina all these years and you have NEVER left my side. They say you are a reflection of your 5 closest friends, I’m in great company. Last but not least to every family that has trusted me to advocate for them. I know that it has to be difficult to ask for help in your most vulnerable state. I know that it takes a lot to have to put your trust in a complete stranger hoping they are who they have represented themselves to be. It is your faith in me that has shaped me into one of the fiercest advocates in the k-12 education game.

Website: www.bylp.org

Instagram: @bylp

Twitter: @BYLPinSac

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BYLPinSac

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPHloULFMYaLwIWoq9lv3hA

Image Credits
I own the rights to all pictures attached