From Adversity to Advocacy: Agzja Carey’s Mission for Equity and Empowerment

Agzja Carey, Founder and CEO of Crayons & Culture and a 2024 Bunting Fellow, has a powerful story that begins in Brooklyn, New York—at a time when systemic neglect and violence ravaged communities like hers.Born during the crack epidemic, Agzja was deeply affected by the weight of intergenerational trauma. "I was born into a reality shaped by systemic neglect and violence," she reflects. Her grandmother’s tragic death due to gun violence left her mother, just nine years old, without parental care." My mother’s story, and my story, began in cycles of loss and adversity," Agzja shares.

Faced with daunting odds, her mother made a pivotal choice to break the cycle. "When she became pregnant with me, it was like a light switch turned on," Agzja recalls. Her mother quit drugs, moved to California’s Bay Area, and found stability with the help of Agzja’s great-aunt, Janie T. Barlow. "My mother had audacity; my aunt had stability. Together, they gave me the foundation to dream beyond our reality," she says.

Education became the vehicle for transformation as Agzja explains, "My mother made it clear that education would be the key to restoring our family’s legacy.” Inspired by this vision, she pursued academic success, eventually attending a private college-preparatory school through support from “A Better Chance,” a scholarship program for students of color. "That experience opened my eyes to the disparities in education," she notes. "I saw how power educates its children differently and couldn’t unsee the inequities."

Agzja’s experiences as a student and later as a teacher in Baltimore and Brooklyn highlighted systemic barriers for Black and Latino children. "The curricula often lacked cultural relevance, and meaningful family partnerships were missing," she observes. Determined to create change, Agzja founded Crayons & Culture, an organization dedicated to reimagining education for underserved Baltimore communities.

"Crayons & Culture isn’t just about academics—it’s about creating nurturing ecosystems where children and families can thrive," Agzja explains. Through culturally relevant teaching, community-centered programs, and arts integration, the organization empowers students to achieve academically while honoring their cultural identities. "We’re building a model that combines equity with excellence," she adds.

The Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program (BNLP) provided Agzja with a pivotal year of reflection, allowing her to refine her vision and enter this new phase of growth with confidence. Through BNLP, she recognized that the work she was doing with Crayons & Culture was not just about community engagement—it was a vital form of public health.

Now, as Crayons & Culture enters a phase of growth in 2025, Agzja’s vision is evolving. "We’re building a robust team, securing resources, and finding a permanent home for our programs," she shares. With strategic partnerships through Johns Hopkins’ Social Innovation Lab, UPenn’s Social Impact Fellowship, and the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute’s Bunting Neighborhood Fellowship, the organization is poised for scalable, long-term impact.

Agzja’s leadership extends beyond education. Recently sworn in as a commissioner for Baltimore’s Community Reinvestment and Reparations Commission, she views this role as a continuation of her mission. "This is a chance to address generational harm and channel resources into communities historically left behind," she says. For Agzja, the work is deeply personal. "It’s about reclaiming and restoring futures for families like mine."

Her journey—from a challenging childhood to a transformative leader—highlights the deep connection between “systemic neglect” and public health. She overcame barriers like educational disparities, economic instability, and limited community resources, realizing that creativity and culture are essential to long-term success. 

Now, Agzja channels her experiences into advocacy, ensuring that children facing similar struggles have the support they need. As a commissioner and changemaker, she is bringing her work full circle, helping to shape a future where Black and Latino families in Baltimore can thrive. She is now ready to take the next step in her journey to "reclaim and restore futures for families" like hers.

"With donor and partner support, we can expand our impact and invest in the future," she shares. Agzja invites others to join the Crayons and Culture movement: “Your involvement—whether through donations, partnerships, or spreading the word—creates a brighter future for Baltimore’s children.”