Dave Singleton spent his whole life opening doors for others and working alongside community leaders to strengthen groups. Since his passing in 2018 and our mother’s passing in 2020, it’s taken some time to figure out how to manage the “passing of the torch”. Both my brother and I have integrated lessons from our parents fully into our lives and being. But I feel there are still lessons to learn and something that my father wanted to teach about how to bring together communities and connect grassroots organizations.
I am collecting research on my father’s work through some of his files but also by learning more about the work of his friends and colleagues. I’m not sure what media will come from this research. It may turn into a book, a documentary, or both. For years, I have felt the need to reach out, and I am following my heart to complete something my father wanted to do. This feels like his work.
He was often asked to write a book about his life. However, he felt that he should never profit from stories that should have never happened and never wanted to gain recognition. So, if this project yields any income, all of the proceeds will be donated to organizations in which he was involved like Birmingham Ministries, California Indian Manpower Consortium, Rural Development Leadership Network, the Native Heritage Commission, and the G. David Singleton California Indian Assistance Program.
If you would like to share a story about projects you worked on with Dave, lessons learned, and tips that could help others see authentic ways to bridge and assist community efforts, I would love to talk with you.
If you would like to share your story about the work you are doing to bridge parts of your community together, heal your community, and make a difference, I would love to talk with you.
If you have guidance for future organizations or for people who have an idea but don’t know where to start, I would love to talk with you.
If you are open to a conversation, please click the link below and I will contact you. You can choose if your information is shared privately or a part of this research. Either way, it will be valued.
GDS Foundation 