Meet our Servant Leaders: Maliyah H.

Maliyah Harris

Servant Leader Intern

If you were a rapper, what would be your stage name?

Ekphrasis

What part of the country are you originally from?

Bedford, Virginia

If you were in charge of bringing one food item to The Cookout, what would it be and why?

Mac and cheese, because I make a mean Mac and cheese and I don’t like macaroni salad.

What is your least favorite snack food and why?

Popcorn, I love it! But the kernels getting stuck in my teeth is a deal breaker.

Let's dig a bit deeper. What's the last song that made you dance?

What were you like in middle/high school?

Popular on accident, and a wallflower all at the same time!

J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar?

J. Cole

Name of a Book/Story That Made An Impact On You When You Were Younger. What was so impactful about this book?

The “Among the Hidden” series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

It really sparked my interest in reading, and it was the first series I’d ever read and finished. My favorite book from the collection is “Among the Impostors”.

Complete this phrase: "Freedom is..."

…taking ownership of who you are and loving yourself.

What is one social justice/action issue that you are passionate about? Why?

Lack of equity in public school systems that underserved and low income communities are attending. We can never guarantee a successful student without the supplies to make it happen at the very least. A lot of these kids don’t even eat at home, and they show up to school and get fussed at for not having a pencil.

In 2020, we had to suspend our program. What makes you excited about returning or joining the team this year?

I’m excited to join this team because I want to see children of all races and ethnicities thrive, grow and take ownership of themselves!

If you had a room full of people willing to listen to you, what would you say?

Love your neighbor, unless their values perpetuate your oppression.