Americans celebrate Black History Month during February to honor the contributions of Black Americans. The month transpired from Carter G. Woodson’s idea of Negro History Week, which began in 1926. Black History Month has blossomed 50 years after Negro History Week was established, and today includes local parades, ceremonies and gatherings featuring the work of Black artists, entrepreneurs, politicians and pastors. This year, The Feather will be bringing you stories about local black leaders who have positively impacted Fresno and the Central Valley of California.
Dr. Deshunna Monay Ricks is a woman whose life reflects faith, determination and resilience. Ricks transformed her own childhood trauma to today advocating for children and families who have difficult pasts. She started I Am Valuable, a nonprofit organization, which offers mentorship to kids and families, and writes books to help young people step into their worth, embrace their stories, and rise victorious over their challenges.
Ricks’ story began in a difficult environment marked by trauma and hardship. Growing up in foster care, under her grandmother’s care, Ricks was raised with love but faced many situations that tested her spirit and resolve.
Ricks resolved to not allow these burdens to define her and her path ahead. Instead, she strongly rebuilt herself, not only for herself but for others walking the same path she once walked.
“I knew that I wanted to be different from what I had experienced,” Ricks said. “I wanted to be errant, a person who could help others heal and have hope, just like I was.”
After her father’s death at age 17, Ricks was given another opportunity to blossom. She turned to her faith allowing her grief to push her forward. Those years made her consciously reflect upon her life’s purpose. She decided that she would do good to herself and those she loved to honor her father.
Ricks’ journey was anything but smooth. She withdrew from college during her junior year, setting aside time for the birth of her son. After Ricks welcomed her child to the world, she decided to go back to school learning how to balance work, a full course load and motherhood. Ricks graduated with a bachelor’s in social work from Fresno State. Her next step was obtaining her master’s in social work, a master’s in family and human development, and after that, a doctorate in education while working tirelessly to build a stable baseline for herself and her son.
In 2019, Deshunna started I Am Valuable, a non-profit organization that would build preventive initiatives to support other children and families who have stood against challenges very similar to what she faced. The program offers mentorship, mental health support, and personal development for children from all walks of life. Most importantly, this organization serves all children, not just those who have endured trauma, but those who know they have a voice and are valued and heard.
Many of her mentors who have worked with her in the program speak about how she has served in the community. One of the mentors, Alice Green, speaks about her experience in the program and with Ricks.
“She has such a big presence, the spirit around her that I was like, wow, without even saying anything, she just said a whole lot with her presence,” Green said, “ I was just so impressed, that there was a specific outreach program targeted towards African American Children who didn’t have parents or were dealing with a lot of trauma and, it was just very specific.”
In addition to her nonprofit service, she is also an accomplished writer of two books. In “I Am Valuable,” she recounts her own experience in foster care, and in “I Am Determined,” she shares a collection of stories from children she has worked with. Both books are a testament to the human soul and the power of determination.
A colleague and friend, LJ Mariano, has seen firsthand the impact of Ricks’ work of overcoming challenges and empowering the colored youth.
”She is always challenging me,” Mariano said. “She’s always working with black students, and working with her community is inspiring. The adversity that she has been able to overcome, being raised, homegrown in West Fresno. Along with her being a huge success to not only herself and her life, but also to her community.”
Ricks’ work as an advocate, author and mentor proves that she believes in healing self-discovery and education. Her personal story of overcoming adversity demonstrates to others that wherever you come from, no one can hold down your greatness. She does not let her past define her; rather, she finds strength in her story.
By faith, the lessons learned from hardships, and willingness to uplift others, Ricks provides hope to children, families and communities everywhere. Those who possess recovery, faith, and the support of others have been living proof that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth, healing, and success.
To donate or get involved with Dr. Ricks’ organization visit I AM Valuable.
For more from The Feather, read Black History Month Spotlight: Bobby Griffin Jr. influences local music scene or AP Tests are going online May 2025.
