Kee Edwards

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPH:

We are looking at a picture of a park that helped raise me. It helped me form friendships, build stronger ties with the community, and develop my love for sports. I’ve always loved basketball, and this court is where that passion began. It’s where I cultivated the work ethic that still drives me today. The ground wasn’t concrete — it had a rubbery surface — which made it perfect for skating and break dancing, too.

One of my fondest memories of Old South Park is being a little ornery with a few of my friends. On my way home, I was stopped by three different people who told me to do better. By the time I walked through the door, my mom had already received three phone calls and knew the entire story. That really stands out to me — the community always held us accountable, no matter where we were.

Middie Pride, to me, means believing in where you come from. It’s about trusting your community and those in leadership roles — whether pastors, teachers, elders, or family. Middie Pride is the community looking out for one another, in school and beyond.