By Kevin Price

I spent my early years from birth to graduation living in the close-knit city of La Marque, Texas, which sits on the southeast side of Galveston County. It has always been one of those small communities where everyone knows everyone. There is an unfailing sense of pride that has been at the heart of the community for as long as I can remember. Because of the pandemic some of that sense of community has felt strained by the canceling of community events, mudslinging in local politics, etc. That is where Tracie Steans and Raushida Robinson come in; these two amazing women not only saw the need for a city cleanup, but the need to unify their beloved community.

Tracie Steans is a class of ’97 graduate of La Marque, a community activist, business owner and a respected leader of our community. Tracie Steans also serves as a commissioner of the Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission. She is the founder of Stop the Violence 409, a member of the NAACP, a Juneteenth La Marque board member, and a board member of the Galveston County chapter of Texas Democratic Women.  She is a proud wife, mother of 3 and grandmother.  Tracie spends countless hours working to make her community a better place by not only hosting clean up events, but career fairs and community prayers, as well as doing homeless outreach.

Raushida Robinson was born on Galveston Island, though she has been living in La Marque since 2013. She is an author, a beautician, and community activist who has earned her degree in Criminal Justice.  Ms. Robinson has been active in the community for many years as a substitute teacher and a volunteer for various organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, FEAR, Inc. (Foundation for the Empowerment and Advancement of Women) Mentorship Program, Black Women in Business, as well as other organizations within the community.

Both Tracie and Raushida, having a deep love for the environment and the future of the La Marque community, saw the need for a clean-up which prompted them to join forces. With the pandemic still in full swing, they knew that it would take some extra planning. In the end, they managed to pull it off by following physical distancing guidelines and donning masks, they were able to get to work. Not to mention they were joined by many members of the La Marque community. This has led to 4 clean-ups in total, and I am certain there will be more moving forward.

Seeing this kind of dedication in my hometown fills me with that same communal pride that I remember growing up from my youth. I am writing this so that others might follow the lead of Tracie and Raushida. Even if not by organizing a clean-up, but by seeing a collective need and turning that need into action.