Stop Stuff Q & A With Mary Lagman Hammond

SNM
Jun 27, 2017
3 min read

Mary is strong mentally and physically, crazy fit and an avid vegan.

She is an activist and early adopter/supporter of Stop Stuff.

After seeing a Stop Stuff hat on her trainer and former NFL player, Mary reached out to me personally to investigate my motivation and learn about the Stop Stuff mission. She'd never support a cause that she didn't fully believe in or understand.

What I admire most about Mary is the fact that she does so much more than talk.

She's constantly in the forefront, present physically and emotionally. Mary shares what we all need to know about the good things going on in our community whether it be the newest farmer's market, an interesting quote from Malcolm X or her views on the latest intolerable shooting.

We recently sat down with Mary to get her views on life, the world and Stopping Stuff.

1. How would you describe yourself to the world?

Passionate. Excited about life. Introvert. Not for everybody.

2. What are you most passionate about and why?

Social justice in general, but fighting systemic and institutional racism, specifically.

It is abundantly clear to anyone who is paying attention that not only are black people being shot by law enforcement and incarcerated at disproportionate rates, but they also have inequitable access to basic resources -- education, food, housing, jobs, etc. ad infinitum.

My goal is to bring awareness to this and to level the playing field.

3. What have you personally overcome and what advice would you give to others experiencing the same thing?

I have had an incredibly privileged life. I have a family who loves me and is economically blessed. However, that did not stop me from creating my own chaos in my youth.

By 23 I was dealing with alcohol and substance abuse, an eating disorder, and engaging in self-harm. Or, as a friend once called it “The LA Package.” If you are hopeless and desperate, then believe it or not, that is a very good place to be. I had to hit rock bottom before I could be willing to accept a solution that required drastic change.

Since that moment, I have not looked back, and the last 26 years plus have been beyond my wildest dreams. I do not deserve the life I’ve been given.

4. What do you think we need to stop and why?

Beyond what I've already shared, the two areas I’m currently most involved in address mass incarceration and food inequality. I volunteer at a legal clinic that assists the formerly incarcerated with re-entry into society.

I also volunteer with a food recovery center and am interested in doing more work relating to food insecurity and food deserts because the major killers of black people are actually health related, and these health issues are rooted in structural racism.

At some point, I hope to be more involved in education because there is much work to be done there to bring underserved populations to the same level as children in privileged areas.

5. What can we do to make the world a better place?

If you’re already reading this, I’m guessing you’re already doing the work in some capacity, so keep at it!

But, I think this is a good time to mention self-care. As an introvert, I definitely have to recharge, and the way I keep my optimism and strength is by having a spiritual practice, eating well, exercising, and doing other things and having other interests that are a little more lighthearted.

I also surround myself with people that push me and encourage me. I feel that this is what allows me to bring my best self to the world so I can be the most useful.

6. What words of encouragement would you give to others?

Well, the thing I’ve had to remind myself about is Love.

I get so angry about the injustices in this world, and I am for sure up for the fight but, that fight must be grounded in love. Love for the people I want to help; love for humanity.

Without love, this anger will eat me up alive.

So here are a couple phrases I keep in mind with my activism, and it grounds me and gives me hope:

Love and Struggle.

We will win.

7. Do you believe we can change the world?

Absolutely!

If you have a message to share and are interested in being included in STOP STUFF STORIES, please email me at info@stopstuff.com.