Elsie Duronville

Elsie is a first-generation Haitian American and mother to four amazing kiddos: Amelia (deceased), Noble, Honor, and Regal. Married to her best friend, John, Elsie considers herself a child of God and has felt His favor despite life’s challenges. She values connecting people with resources to assist them in taking ownership of their lives, a passion she pursued as a social worker. Beyond this role, her primary advocacy is for her children. In her quest to find community for them, Elsie discovered an appreciation for her whole Black self, sparking a newfound love for the authentic Elsie. Recognizing the need for safe spaces for their children to just be, Elsie and John created the Family Initiative Group (FIG), uniting ten Black families with young children. FIG’s goal is to cultivate character in children while preserving their collective values. This season, Elsie is most proud to have provided her children with a new and creative learning experience, which has been an exhilarating journey.

Dream for Black Children

“I dream Black children will not have to exert energy in fighting for people to see their greatness and honor it. That they will be able to simply be and show up as their authentic selves. That their creativity and culture can be represented as an asset and not a threat.   Finally, when they enter any space, their greatness will not be diminished, questioned, dumb-down or ignored, instead it will be uplifted, acknowledged, celebrated, and respected.