CityView Magazine

32 | Februar y 2020 Campbell was a civil rights leader in the 1960s. His book, "1963: A Turning Point in Civil Rights," chronicles how a prayerful protest in Danville turned violent aer police and deputized city workers reacted with night sticks. Among those beaten was Lawrence's wife. e date, June 10, 1963, became known as Bloody Monday. Valentine learned so much about overcoming adversity growing up during that era – and because of mentors and change-makers such as her pastor. "He encouraged me every step in my youth," she says of Campbell, with whom she keeps in touch. Campbell also helped ease Odessa Valentine's fears about her 17-year-old daughter going to live and pursue her dream in Washington, D.C., just aer high school. "My mom took me to the pastor's office, and he spoke nothing but words of encouragement. I believe that made my mother feel better, knowing that I wasn't going to go up there and change." She adds, "He also told me to make sure to join Bibleway Church in Washington, which I did on my first Sunday there." Valentine stayed with an aunt briefly before striking out on her own in D.C. To make ends meet, she secured a position as a "Girl Friday" at a collection agency. "It was mostly a filing job," she says. "I also learned that you can't trust everyone," she adds, aer discovering that someone had stolen money from her purse. at would be the first and last time that she would leave the room without taking her pocketbook. It was the 1970s, and Valentine says it felt good to be able to send half her $120 weekly paycheck home to help support her family. "I learned that what little bit I was sending home was making a huge difference," she says. "My dad was coasting on gas fumes. How happy they were to be able to put gas in the car and get some things that they needed." Valentine was frugal and saved enough money in a year so she could take the next step toward fulfilling her dream. Her higher education journey was about to begin. The next chapter Valentine enrolled in the nursing program at the University of the District of Columbia, where she juggled her classes with work as a cashier at a drugstore. In three years, she had earned her associate degree and became a registered nurse. An offer followed from Sibley Memorial Hospital in the District's upscale Palisades neighborhood. "ere were not many black nurses in those days," Valentine recalls. "Maybe one or two others in the hospital." While working at Sibley on weekends, Valentine enrolled at Howard University, so she could take classes during the week. "at's when my life really changed," she says. e dean invited her to join national organizations and attend conferences, which sparked Valentine's passion in

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