What can I say or how do I describe this year’s first Friendsgiving with the Linkage Community? For one, it was definitely an experience—one that I will never forget. To be completely transparent, I am a very reticent and introverted individual, so when it comes to social gatherings, I often find myself feeling anxious and apprehensive.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy being around people, but my natural tendency is to lean towards solitude, and that’s something that’s only been amplified by my experiences, particularly my time in prison and my transition back into society. Coming home from incarceration has made me even more reserved, and I tend to avoid large gatherings or new situations where I might feel out of place.
However, despite all of these feelings, this year’s Friendsgiving felt different. It was a moment where I found myself feeling welcomed, at ease, and even comfortable—something that I didn’t expect going into the event. A huge part of that is thanks to Mackenzi, Sarah, and the entire Linkage Community. They’ve done a phenomenal job in creating an environment that fosters inclusion and warmth. From the very beginning, it was clear that this wasn’t just another social event; it was a gathering built on genuine connections, support, and a shared understanding that everyone, no matter their background, deserves to feel seen and heard. The community’s welcoming spirit transcends any barriers that might exist—whether they be related to ethnicity, social background, or life stories.
What I appreciated the most about this Friendsgiving was the effort put into making sure everyone felt comfortable, no matter where they were in life. The openness and kindness of everyone present made it easy for me to step outside of my comfort zone. I’m used to keeping to myself, but this time I felt like I wasn’t just existing in the background—I felt like I truly belonged. The conversations were real, the laughter was genuine, and the feeling of connection was tangible. It was clear that the goal of the Linkage Community isn’t just to bring people together physically but to help forge deeper, more meaningful connections that extend beyond surface-level interactions.
In a world where it can often feel difficult to find a place of belonging, the Linkage Community has succeeded in cultivating a space where people can come together without fear of judgment or exclusion. This Friendsgiving, though just one day in the grand scheme of things, reminded me of the importance of connection and community. It’s an experience that I will carry with me as I continue navigating my own journey of reintegration, reminding me that even the most introverted among us can find a place to feel at home when the right people and the right environment are there to welcome us in.
In closing, I would be remiss not to mention the incredible men I had the privilege of interviewing for my book. Many of them will never experience the simple joys of embracing their children or parents, nor will they enjoy the freedoms that life offers to those unbound. Yet, one of these remarkable men was present at the Friends Giving event, providing us with a rare opportunity to reconnect—a moment that, just a few years ago, would have seemed unimaginable.
About the Author:
Hello everyone, I'm Demario Williams. My purpose in life is to motivate and inspire others to strive for greatness and reach their full potential. I aim to demonstrate that challenges can be overcome, and that life continually offers opportunities to rise above adversity. Although my journey to a fulfilling adulthood began slowly, I am now an author, an aspiring entrepreneur, and actively engaged in community efforts focused on the empowerment and growth of urban youth.
Article is made possible by the Linkage Community Journalism Initiative.
