Hidden Figure: Jennifer Pinckney
Crystal: Who is Jennifer Pinckney?
Jennifer: A quiet shy soul; widow of slain pastor/senator Clementa Pinckney; mother of 2 daughters – Eliana and Malana; librarian; enjoys hanging out with family and friends
Crystal: What is the name of your organization?
Jennifer: SenatorPinckney.org Foundation
Crystal: How does your organization serve the community?
Jennifer: The foundation supports religious, educational, health care and charitable causes that Senator Pinckney had once supported. It also supports simple solution for gun control.
Crystal: What is your dream for the people you serve?
Jennifer: My dream is for the foundation to be a vital entity and household name worldwide.
Crystal: How does your organization align with your purpose?
Jennifer: Clementa was about helping those in need. He was a voice for the voiceless. I feel that anyone that can benefit from the foundation is better than not having it where no one benefits.
Crystal: Education and health care are two issues your organization focuses on. Why are those issues important to the communities you serve?
Jennifer: Many people aren’t receiving proper education or health care. If you don’t live in a certain area with a certain income, then you have a tendency to receive the worst services.
Crystal: As an advocate for changing gun laws, what change would you like to see?
Jennifer: Lengthen the wait time so that proper background checks can be done. If you have a prior criminal record, mental illness, or you’re a known individual, group, or organization meant to do harm, you shouldn’t have access. There should also be ways to close loop holes where people are getting guns illegally.
Crystal: As a survivor of a horrendous hate crime, has your view on the world change? How do you use your story to help others?
Jennifer: First I’ve come to realize that life is too short. I have become more aware of issues such as gun control than ever before. In spite of the crime, you can’t go around hating others and being afraid. That’s what I tell and teach my daughters. Yes you have to be careful and cautious but you still have to live. Many people have approached me or I’ve heard that I have given them strength. I put my trust and faith in God and that’s how I get through, plus my girls keep me going. I help others by continuing to be the person that I’ve always have been and I speak the truth.
Crystal: What is your favorite quote?
Jennifer: “When life gets too hard to stand, kneel.”
Crystal: How do you define success?
Jennifer: Being able to give and receive love. Being true to yourself and others. Being able to help others. Accomplishing life goals.
Crystal: What words of inspiration can you leave the audience?
Jennifer: God will never leave you nor forsake you. Pray continually. Be thankful.