Friday, December 21, 2018

2018 Tampa Activist Of The Year: TheZulema Ramos

Zulema and I met when they started coming to climate justice meetings. Their energy drew me in immediately. From the day I met them, they have been consistent, kind, open, dedicated, and extremely active in the community - all while going to college! One thing about Z that make them truly a model for other activists is that that their personality is genuinely kind and uplifting. They understand that in this work, we have to support each other, encourage each other, and create an atmosphere
 of mutual respect.

 Another thing about Z that I reflect upon at times is that they deeply understand intersectionality in a way that motivates them to show up for every marginalized person, plant, animal and community whenever they have a spare moment. Finally, Z is someone you can count on. Even if they aren't able to make it to your event, they will always respond to your text with appreciation and an eagerness to learn more. We are so lucky that Z is in our community and is dedicated to empowering the marginalized, oppressed, working and non-working class of Tampa Bay. We love you Zulema - take care of yourself, don't work too hard, and take some time for yourself to just relax and eat dank vegan food in your pjs!

Dayna Lazarus

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