Shanell Toomer – “A Rose that Grew from Concrete.” Simply put….Shanell is Amazing and we celebrate you!

Shanell Toomer is the “Rose that Grew from Concrete.”  She was raised in Irvington, NJ with 2 parents with substance abuse challenges, in a community impacted by poverty, violence and crime.  She successfully navigated through life due to her strong faith in God and individuals placed in her life that encouraged her to persevere.  Shanell graduated from Essex County College in 2013 with a degree in Human and Social Services.  She continued her education at Rutgers University, graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology in 2015 and enrolled in the Advance Standing Master’s in Social Work program and graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work (concentration Children and Families) in 2016.  Shanell is currently a Professor at Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, where she teaches future social workers the skills necessary to be change agents in their community.  Shanell is also a school social worker.

Shanell Toomer is an advocate and change agent for youth in Essex and Hudson Counties. Shanell is a Director of Youth programs at the Newark YMCA where she assisted in the creation of a program that provides life skills mentoring, and activities for juvenile justice involved youth. This afterschool program focused on reducing recidivism, engaging at risk youth, and promoting healthy lifestyles with youth ages 13-17.  Shanell participates in the interruption of violence in Hudson County as an active member of team of individuals that meet with gang leaders and create a safe space to have meaningful discussions that lead to the elimination of violence in the community.

Shanell also supervises a youth shelter that provides hope, love, and support to teens that are victims of trauma, Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) involved, homeless, and who have run away from home. Shanell continues to make strides in her community via her Non-profit organization (Health and Wellness Empowerment Program) which provides supportive services to at risk youth in need. Shanell continues to be a positive force by helping youth and their families navigate the ups and downs of living in a neighborhood impacted by social inequity and traumatic experiences. Shanell also serves as a community advocate, grant writer, researcher, grief counselor and community leader. Shanell attends church at New Psalmist Worship Center in Newark, NJ

Shanell enjoys painting, listening to music and being with family. Her future goals are to continue advocating and be a community leader fighting for Social Justice and Systemic Change. Her Story is Our Story!

Women’s History Month is not just a time to look back; it’s a celebration of the powerful and inspirational women who have shaped our past, continue to make waves today, and will undoubtedly light the way into our future.

Throughout history, women have stood as pillars of strength, courage, and innovation. But let’s zoom in and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of Black women. Their resilience and determination have carved an indelible mark on the pages of history. From Harriet Tubman’s fearless leadership on the Underground Railroad to the eloquent words of Maya Angelou and the groundbreaking achievements of Mae Jemison, these women have shown us the boundless potential of the human spirit.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Black women have continued to be trailblazers. We see it in the powerful voices of civil rights activists like Rosa Parks and the indomitable spirit of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Today, we are inspired by figures like Oprah Winfrey, whose media empire has broken barriers, and Michelle Obama, whose grace and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the world.

But it doesn’t stop there. Modern-day Black women are contributing to every facet of society, from science and technology to politics and the arts. Women like Kamala Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States, and Stacey Abrams, a champion for voting rights, show us that progress is possible and that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we must also look ahead. The future of women’s contributions is bright and promising. Young Black women are stepping into leadership roles, using their voices to advocate for justice, equality, and change. They’re becoming CEOs, astronauts, educators, and artists, showing us that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

So, let’s embrace the future with open arms. Let’s support, uplift, and celebrate the women who tell our stories and shape our world. Together, we can ensure that every generation of women, regardless of their race or background, continues to break barriers, leaving a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for all. Women’s history is still being written, and it’s a story worth celebrating every day.

SGT. ERICA JOHNSON

Sgt. Erica Johnson #2583 is a twenty-two (22) year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department. She was raised and educated in the City of Baltimore where she earned her Associates of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies. Sgt. Erica Johnson became interested in police work after working as a clerk with the District Court of Baltimore. She later became a Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Baltimore City Police Department, Western, District.

Sgt. Erica Johnson relocated to Prince George’s County, Maryland after she accepted the position of police officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department.

During her 22-year tenure, Sgt. Erica Johnson has had the opportunity to work in several capacities, Patrol, School Resource Officer, Special Crimes Detective (Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Units), Media Relations and Patrol Supervisor. Her most rewarding position has been her current duty assignment in the Training and Education Division. This position has allowed her to oversee the Citizen’s Police Academy. Since 2014, Sgt. Erica Johnson has graduated over 500 citizens from the program. The Citizens Police Academy has allowed her to bridge the gap between Police and Community. She has been able to create strong allies for not only for Prince George’s County Police Officers but for officers all over. She is very adamant about dispelling myths about the police department and how it operates. The union she has created between police and community has also set an atmosphere where our citizens are not afraid to speak to the police. This is an accomplishment that Sgt. Erica Johnson is very proud of and honored to be a part of.

By: Minding My Business

February 21, 2022

Val is responsible for many youths to reevaluate their diet and consider trying some healthier options. Her HipHop Diet curriculum has won the hearts of youth all over the country and their supporting households. She has worked with non-profits too numerous to count about healthy eating/healthy living. She is a gem. I am honored to have worked with her for the past 2 decades.

Ms. Robinson has worked as a private consultant in the areas of substance abuse and nutritional health. Ms. Robinson’s areas of expertise include substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services and strategies, managing Government, Federal and Foundation grants, assessment, and development of state training programs for substance abuse practitioners. Ms. Robinson has trained nationally and internationally on: self-esteem building, substance abuse treatment and prevention strategies, clinical issues, confidentiality and ethical practices, women’s health issues, culture competency, clinical supervision, group therapy, creative interventions for treatment retention, overweight & obesity in underserved communities, healthy eating and living strategies, adolescent trauma and violence, pediatric HIV/AIDs and health care delivery systems.

Doc V. can be reached via Email: Valerieerobinson@gmail.com

By: Wanda Jones

February 14, 2022