Dziko Singleton: Championing Recovery with Kindness and Equity
Episode Overview
Dziko Singleton's journey as a disruptor of social norms and racial equity consultant Emphasis on agency and personal empowerment in recovery Comprehensive harm reduction services and linkage to care Advocacy for kindness, compassion, and holding space for others Reflections on the transformative nature of recovery
Life is hard, but life is beautiful too. Be kind, hold space, break bread. Just be good to people.
Ever wondered how a person can transform their own struggles into a beacon of hope for others? Meet Dziko Singleton, a Black woman in recovery who's not just breaking the mold but reshaping it entirely. In this episode of 'No Thanks But Yes', host Donald McDonald sits down with Dziko, a social norms disrupter, harm reductionist, and racial equity consultant, to explore her multifaceted journey of recovery and advocacy.
Dziko wears many hats—certified peer support specialist, HIV/HCV testing counselor, and co-coordinator of a comprehensive harm reduction program with Health Brigade in Richmond, VA. But perhaps her most significant role is being a living testament to the power of kindness and community in recovery. Recorded over Zoom from Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA, this conversation is as enlightening as it is heartfelt.
The episode dives into various topics such as collegiate recovery, harm reduction services, and the delicate balance between massages and facials. Dziko shares candid insights into her recovery journey, emphasizing that it's far from a straight path. She talks about the proactive steps she took, like seeking new sterile supplies and reducing risky behaviors, to carve out a healthier life for herself. But it’s not just about her personal journey.
Dziko's work focuses on providing comprehensive harm reduction services, from treatment to HIV/HCV testing and linking individuals to essential care. She passionately advocates for recognizing different forms of recovery and the importance of agency and autonomy in the process. Dziko leaves listeners with a powerful message about the beauty of life despite its challenges, advocating for kindness and holding space for others. Her story is a testament to how compassion and proactive steps can lead to transformative recovery.
Tune in to hear Dziko Singleton’s inspiring journey and learn how kindness can truly change lives.