#TheDayWithTrae - Trae Holiday sat down with Khalia Williams-O'Neal from Northwest Credible Messenger on "The Day With Trae," shedding light on their impactful work within the community. Khalia shared her journey from a recent college graduate to becoming the Operations Manager, emphasizing the organization's focus on empowering Black and Brown leaders. Her initial project involved addressing the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic by engaging young Black youth in conversations about masculinity and behavioral health. This experience led to a significant shift in their approach, recognizing the importance of addressing underlying mindsets and providing behavioral health support within their projects.

A key highlight of the interview was the discussion of the Community Reinvestment Project funds that came through the Washington State Department of Commerce, which allowed Northwest Credible Messenger to support the community further. This initiative led to the development of a barber and beautician Behavioral Health Project, recognizing these professionals' vital role as "unlicensed therapists" within their communities. As Khalia noted, these spaces are where people "unload" and find mentorship, making them crucial for community well-being.

The conversation also highlighted the upcoming 11th Annual Reign of Style competition, an event supported by Northwest Credible Messenger. Khalia emphasized the importance of "highlighting what's already there."  She added, "We can help you with resource navigation, but you already have the tools to do all the work in your shop. You already have been doing it for years, we are resourceful folks." This approach underscores the organization's commitment to empowering community resources and leaders.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Khalia encourages contacting Northwest Credible Messenger through their website's contact page and mentioning interest in the barber and beauty project. While they are adjusting their training due to state certification changes, they are committed to including everyone. As Trae Holiday concluded, this conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting the spaces and people already making a difference in our communities.