Love Sessoms

Co-Founder and Secretary, A Soulful Heart Memorializing George Floyd, Jr.

Actress, Activist, Educator, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian

Love Sessoms, a native of Washington, D.C., is – to put it mildly – a force to be reckoned with, in the most positive interpretation of that meaning. A recitation of her background and education do not begin to describe the personal and professional achievements Love has attained, nor her beguiling smile as she advocates for causes and individuals, closing with her signature line, “Remember – you can’t say ‘no’ to Love!”

It is, indeed, nearly impossible to say ‘no’ to Love. Her ability to bring disparate people together, to foster effective dialogue and collaborative efforts for socially important goals, all while humbly attributing her success to God, is her hallmark. Love’s ability to find equitable solutions, as well as her exemplary leadership skills and compassion for people are all qualities known by anyone fortunate enough to know her.

In Love’s younger years, she was heavily influenced by her hardworking father, James “Tommy” Sessoms, who with his last breath, instilled in her a love of people; the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of a person’s color or background; a commitment to truth and justice; and a work ethic that mirrored his own. He also inculcated the importance of education, both in the classroom and outside of it. She is the most beautiful reflection of his best efforts.

Love’s thirst for learning would lead her to attend Elizabeth City State University, where she met Dr. H.D. Flowers, a close friend of Dr. Maya Angelou, after he read the publication of Love’s short story, Violence in the Home. Impressed by the intelligent and charismatic young woman, he introduced Love to Dr. Maya Angelou. Dr. Angelou became Love’s mentor and personally awarded Love a full scholarship to continue her education in the Master’s Program at North Carolina A&T State University, where she was selected as The USAA All- American Scholar. Love also was selected for internships at the Harlem School of the Arts, The Juilliard School, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Upon graduation, Sessoms taught at C.G. White Middle School in Powellsville, NC as an English and Science teacher. She also served as a high school English and History teacher, guidance counselor, and principal at Lakeside Charter Public School in Elon, NC. Mindful that education exists outside the classroom, Love has been mentored by numerous esteemed individuals. In addition to Dr. Maya Angelou and Dr. H.D. Flowers, prior and current mentors include Robert ‘Bob’ Brown, Ben Vereen, John Singleton, Tommy Ford, Larry Leon Hamlin, Dr. Charles Williams, and Dr. Joe Dudley.

In addition to her role as CEO of Amouri Destiny Productions, Love is a Co-Founder of A Soulful Heart Memorializing George Floyd Jr., where she serves on the Executive Board as the organization’s Secretary. Her vision of social justice global impact through educational outreach and media platforms culminated in the 501(c)(3) non-profit endeavor, which is exemplified in its mission statement, “to facilitate the strengthening of relationships between people from all racial communities, with the goal of promoting understanding that will bring about true change on the issues of racial equality and social justice.”

Continuing her love and appreciation of the value of education, the immediate goals of A Soulful Heart are “to develop, implement, and integrate social justice educational programs for elementary through university level programs; to create community social justice resources and programs; and to provide scholarships for students pursuing social justice and civil rights. degrees.” Love is a driving force behind the creation and achievement of these important academically relevant goals and has personally rallied support for the organization from Floyd Family members.

Recently, Love was appointed Spokesperson for the Maconite National Alumni Scholarship Organization.

The magnetic Love Sessoms has worked tirelessly – and often, anonymously – for the rights of others, and has always strived to give voice to those who do not have the opportunity to speak for themselves. Her heart, her humor, her intellect, and her integrity are an inspiration to all who know her.