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Real Grief – Real Healing, with Mindy Corporon #42 | The World is Learning His Name

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Sadness and sorrow are universal while our path to healing is individual. It bears repeating that the passion of a grieving parent has seemingly no boundaries or limits. You might ask yourself, where does my guest on Real Grief - Real Healing, Dawn Collins, find the energy to create the meaningful legacy of her son, 1st Lieutenant Richard Collins, III?

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In episode 42, appropriately titled, “The World is Learning His Name” Momma Bear Dawn shares with us that she learned determination and “knowing the essence of who you are” are key factors guiding her healing journey.

Being mindful of his promising military career ahead of him, Richard was waiting on an Uber for a ride home after celebrating his commission as Lieutenant into the Army on May 18, 2017. Dawn explains that a monster stole her son's life for refusing to step aside at a bus stop on the University of Maryland campus. Like his grandfather, Richard was murdered because of the color of his skin and the hate from another. I know you are thinking what I am writing now…This Has to Stop.

Lt. Richard Collins, III was the best and the brightest, expecting to serve the United States of America for the benefit of all citizens. The military is in his lineage as his father and grandfather each served America – not Black or white America. They are patriots through and through.

Dawn and her family know that while there are more good people than those filled with hate, more hate crimes will occur. Therefore, they worked quickly and diligently to change the hate crime law in Maryland, tightening loopholes for the next unsuspecting family in a similar situation as theirs. You see, the monster who murdered Richard was convicted of murder but not of a hate crime.

Two notable achievements, in honor of Lt. Richard Collins, III included a $1 Million scholarship in his name from the state of Maryland for ROTC cadets attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Maryland.

And the BSU - UMD Social Justice Alliance formed because of Momma Bear Dawn and her persistence in bringing together the Bowie State and University of Maryland presidents to provide educational content for all of their students strives to transform our nation using evidence-based social justice models.

Dawn and I belong to the club no one wants to join. As mothers of deceased children, specifically mothers of children violently murdered due to hate…hate of a race or hate of a religion, hate is hate…we are focused on finding the good. We are determined to bring something good from our children’s tragic murders.

You can help Dawn and the Lt. Richard Collins, III Foundation as they are making positive impacts in the lives of young ROTC members by offering scholarships for assistance with college costs. The Lt. Collins Scholars program is an ongoing effort to mentor cadets who honor the life and legacy of Lt. Richard Collins III through a demonstrated commitment to service, strong leadership skills, and good character rooted in integrity and determination.

If you have experienced a grief event and want assistance with your healing journey, take a listen to this podcast and others from Real Grief - Real Healing with Mindy Corporon. You will be inspired to reach for Courageous Kindness.

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Real Grief - Real Healing is copyright 2021, Mindy Corporon. All Rights Reserved. Our theme music is composed by Dave Kropf and used with permission.

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