12. In the Light of Giants

What does generational legacy look like when it becomes community action? In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Imani Brooks, Event Facilities Manager at Lift Orlando and a third-generation resident of Orlando’s historic 32805 community, for a powerful conversation about community development, generational legacy, nonprofit leadership, motherhood, disability advocacy, access to resources, education, and creating opportunities for the next generation. Imani grew up surrounded by community leadership. Her grandfather, Rufus C. Brooks, was an educator, civil rights advocate, NAACP leader, and respected figure in Orlando whose commitment to service left a lasting impact on the community. Today, Imani is continuing that legacy while discovering what it means to build one of her own. But her understanding of access and opportunity became deeply personal after the birth of her son, Xavier. After experiencing serious complications shortly after birth, spending weeks in the NICU, and later receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis, Xavier’s journey sent Imani into a world of specialists, therapies, education, early childhood resources, and advocacy. Through that experience, she saw firsthand how dramatically a child’s future can be shaped by access to the right resources, support systems, and people. That experience now informs how she approaches her work with Lift Orlando and families throughout the community. **In this episode, Keyania and Imani discuss:** • Growing up as a third-generation resident of Orlando’s 32805 community • The legacy of educator and civil rights advocate Rufus C. Brooks • Growing up inside a family known for leadership and community service • Finding your own identity while carrying a powerful family legacy • Imani’s experience attending Jones High School • How exposure and access can change a young person’s trajectory • Xavier’s NICU journey and cerebral palsy diagnosis • Navigating healthcare, therapy, education, and disability resources • Why access to resources matters for children with disabilities • The value of mixed-ability classrooms and inclusive education • How community organizations can meet families where they are • Careers in nonprofit and community development work • Burnout, purpose, and wearing multiple hats in nonprofit leadership • Why sustainable community development must impact future generations • What it means to create a legacy that can outlive you Imani’s story is a reminder that meaningful community transformation is not simply about programs or buildings. It is about people, access, exposure, relationships, and creating systems that give every family the opportunity to thrive. And sometimes, living in the light of giants means realizing that you are becoming one for the generation behind you. If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation. Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org *----------------------------------* *Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/* The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods. Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another. If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.