To be able to help a 13-year-old kid from the Bronx follow her

In the vast expanse of the world, where the mighty roam and the powerful command attention, it is easy for the voices of the forgotten to be drowned out. Yet in the quiet corners of society, there is a need for compassion, a need to be seen, and a need to be heard. Alicia Keys speaks to this truth when she says, “To be able to help a 13-year-old kid from the Bronx follow her dreams just by letting her know she's not forgotten in this crazy world - that's why I got involved with Frum Tha Ground Up.” These words are not just about a single act of kindness—they are a reminder that the greatest gift we can give another is not material wealth, but the knowledge that they are valued, that they matter in a world that often overlooks them.

The ancients, too, understood the power of recognition and validation. In ancient Greece, the philosopher Socrates argued that wisdom is not just the pursuit of knowledge, but the understanding of one’s place in the world. He believed that every individual had a purpose, a role to fulfill in the grand tapestry of life. This philosophy is reflected in Keys' words, as she speaks of empowering a young girl from a disadvantaged background, not by giving her riches or fame, but by simply reminding her that she matters. This is the act of lifting someone out of the shadows of anonymity and into the light of possibility.

To “follow her dreams” is an act of hope, an act that demands belief in one’s potential, even when the world offers little more than challenges. The ancient warriors and heroes, from Achilles to King Arthur, embarked on their quests not because the world was fair, but because they believed in their own worth and in the possibility of something greater. Similarly, a young person from the Bronx, often surrounded by hardships and struggles, may feel her dreams are unattainable. But as Keys so beautifully puts it, simply knowing she is not forgotten, that her dreams matter, can ignite a fire that carries her through the toughest of times.

A powerful parallel can be drawn to the life of Nelson Mandela, who, after spending 27 years in prison, became a beacon of hope for millions. Mandela’s own rise was fueled not by external validation, but by a deep belief in self-worth and the pursuit of a dream that seemed impossible. He understood that the first step in achieving greatness was to remain true to one’s purpose and to believe that others could help carry that vision forward. Alicia Keys' involvement with Frum Tha Ground Up mirrors this idea—by offering her support, she helps a young girl see that her dreams, however big or small, are worthy of pursuit.

This quote also reminds us of the importance of community. When Alicia Keys speaks of helping that young girl, she is not just offering advice; she is offering connection. In the ancient world, great societies were built on the principles of mutual support, where individuals knew they could rely on each other to survive, thrive, and fulfill their destinies. Frum Tha Ground Up is more than a program—it is a network of individuals working together to remind those who are often overlooked that they are part of something bigger than themselves. This is the lesson that resonates across generations: empowerment comes not just from individual effort, but from the collective strength of those who support one another.

To help someone feel seen is a powerful act of kindness, for in that moment, you offer them the courage to continue. In The Odyssey, Odysseus is constantly aided by divine beings and humble mortals alike, reminding him that he is not alone in his struggles. Similarly, by offering a young girl from the Bronx a glimmer of hope, Alicia Keys is ensuring that she too has the strength to persist, even when the odds are stacked against her. The lesson here is simple yet profound: when you lift others, you not only help them reach their potential, but you also create a ripple effect that spreads through generations.

In your own life, reflect on how you can be the one to offer recognition and support to someone who feels forgotten. Whether it is a friend, a colleague, or a stranger, the simple act of seeing their worth can change the trajectory of their life. Just as Keys has chosen to make a difference by being involved with Frum Tha Ground Up, you too can find ways to show others that they matter, that their dreams are worth pursuing, and that they are not alone in this world. For in lifting others, we not only help them fulfill their potential but also awaken our own capacity for greatness.