I am Destiny Robinson. I graduated from The University of New Orleans cum laude on May 8th. At Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, I am youth counselor, adult trustee and choir member. I also recently had my first Christian book signing "Testify and Walk" from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Barnes and Noble Metairie on August 1st. Also, my first message was on Annual Youth Day on August 9th at Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church. During my previous academic years at The University of New Orleans, even the Spring 2026 semester, I became an independent student leader at UNO. I also was a senior sociology major. My journey to UNO during the Spring 2025 semester was not just a transfer; it was a divine transition into the next chapter of a leadership legacy God began in me back in 2017. For the past 9 years, God blessed me with a 9-year leadership legacy from 2017 to 2026 from Kipp Renaissance High School, Xavier University of Louisiana and The University of New Orleans, in which I have served, inspired, and uplifted others—not for recognition, but because I was called by God to do so. At UNO, that calling deepened. I’ve been able to grow as a leader through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, through Privateer Passage, and through my continued membership in the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.
UNO History by Destiny Robinson
The University of New Orleans was established in 1956 as Louisiana State University in New Orleans (LSUNO) by the Louisiana Legislature to provide public higher education for the city’s families. When it opened its doors in September 1958 to around 1,200 students, it became the first fully racially integrated public university in the South—a bold and historic step forward. Led by Homer L. Hitt, the university’s founder and first chancellor, and supported by visionary faculty, staff, and administrators, UNO stood as a symbol of progress and access in a time of segregation. That founding legacy continues to inspire students like me—first-generation leaders who carry the hopes of our ancestors, the prayers of our families, and the responsibility to lead with purpose, integrity, and truth.
I transferred to UNO during the Spring 2025 semester. For the past 8 years—since 2017—God has led me on a leadership journey that has shaped my identity and calling. From high school to Xavier University of Louisiana, and now at UNO, I’ve remained faithful to the path He placed before me: to serve with purpose, lead with humility, and uplift others with truth and love. My arrival at UNO was more than academic—it was spiritual. It was another step in the leadership legacy God blessed me to carry.
The UNO’s Office of Student Involvement and Leadership created space for that legacy to grow. Through Privateer Passage, I completed several leadership development badges, including Navigator: Accurate Self-Knowledge, Global Citizenship, Mental Health and Wellness, and Conscientious Decision-Making, Crew: Accurate Self-Knowledge and Mental Health and Wellness and Launchpad Leader. These experiences reminded me that God equips those He calls. In April 2025, I was nominated for the Silent Student Inspiration Award and honored at the 41st Annual Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony. That moment wasn’t about recognition—it was about confirmation. It confirmed what God had already spoken to me: that every step of obedience, every “yes” to Him, was preparing me to lead with grace and boldness.
During that same semester, Ellipsis, UNO’s literary journal, accepted two of my poems: “Honoring Our Ancestors” and “Why Does Our Beauty Matter?”. These works reflect the strength, identity, and cultural pride of Black people. Through poetry, I continue using my voice to glorify God, honor my roots within leadership and inspiring the youths and speak truth to power.
Why Does Our Beauty Matter
Beauty is more than skin deep
It is the light that shines from within
The kindness that radiates from your heart
The wisdom that guides your actions
The joy that fills your soul
Beauty is not a competition
It is not something to be judged or compared
It is a gift that we all possess
A reflection of our uniqueness and diversity
A celebration of our humanity
Beauty is not a fleeting thing
It does not fade with age or time
It is a quality that grows and evolves
A manifestation of our inner strength and grace
A legacy that we leave behind
Beauty is not just what we see with our eyes
It's also what we feel with our hearts
But we often judge by the surface
And miss the essence that lies within
Beauty is not just what we hear with our ears
It's also what we speak with our words
But we often use them to hurt or lie
And miss the power that they hold
Beauty is not just what we touch with our hands
It's also what we create with our minds
But we often waste our talents or gifts
And miss the potential that we have
Honoring Our Ancestors
Our ancestors are the roots of our tree
The source of our strength, our identity
They endured the hardships, the trials, the pain
They sacrificed, they fought, they gained
They left us a legacy of wisdom and grace
Of culture, of faith, of values, of place
They taught us to honor, to respect, to love
To cherish, to serve, to rise above
We are the branches of our tree
The carriers of our history
We have the duty, the privilege, the role
To preserve, to share, to enrich, to uphold
We live our legacy by following their example
By being brave, by being kind, by being humble
By standing up for what is right
We live our legacy by passing it on
We honor our ancestors who came before us
They gave us life, wisdom, and courage
We remember their stories, struggles, and joys
They are a part of us, and we are a part of them
We honor our ancestors who watch over us
They guide, protect us, and inspire us
We seek their blessings, advice, and love
They are with us, and we are with them
I also continued my membership in the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society (O∆K), a lifetime honor that began at Xavier in 2024 and now continues at UNO. In Spring 2025, I completed 25 leadership courses through the Charlie Life and Leadership Academy, earning 28 badges in areas like Values-Based Leadership, Legacy, Vision, Cultivating Trust, and Resilience. O∆K was founded in 1914 and now has over 287 active chapters and more than 350,000 lifetime members. Its mission—to honor and connect collaborative and inclusive leaders—perfectly reflects the leadership journey God called me to walk. For me, leadership is sacred. It is more than influence—it’s obedience to divine purpose. Most UNO students, like me, are the first in their families to attend college. We carry not only books but prayers. We walk these campuses with the hope of our ancestors and the courage of our faith. Our leadership is not just for us—it’s for the future.
As UNO students, we are destined to be bold leaders and powerful examples for the generations coming after us. My 8-year leadership legacy—from 2017 to the present—is not about recognition, but about revelation. It is the result of staying obedient to God’s calling and trusting His plan, even when the path wasn’t easy. Leadership—especially within Christ—requires patience, humility, obedience, and a heart surrendered to His will. True leadership is about putting God first, honoring the foundation, and serving with purpose. Just as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a preacher, prophet, and civil rights activist—followed divine purpose over public opinion, I have learned to follow God’s voice above the noise of the world. His legacy still roars despite the wickedness we face—and now, I carry that roar forward through faith, service, and truth. To all future Privateers and young leaders be bold, be discerning, and let God lead you. He’ll bless you beyond measure—and do the impossible through you for generations to come.
Honoring Our Ancestors by Destiny Robinson
Honoring Our Ancestors
Our ancestors are the roots of our tree
The source of our strength, our identity
They endured the hardships, the trials, the pain
They sacrificed, they fought, they gained
They left us a legacy of wisdom and grace
Of culture, of faith, of values, of place
They taught us to honor, to respect, to love
To cherish, to serve, to rise above
We are the branches of our tree
The carriers of our history
We have the duty, the privilege, the role
To preserve, to share, to enrich, to uphold
We live our legacy by following their example
By being brave, by being kind, by being humble
By standing up for what is right
We live our legacy by passing it on
We honor our ancestors who came before us
They gave us life, wisdom, and courage
We remember their stories, struggles, and joys
They are a part of us, and we are a part of them
We honor our ancestors who watch over us
They guide, protect us, and inspire us
We seek their blessings, advice, and love
They are with us, and we are with them
-Destiny Robinson
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Destiny (2025) "Honoring Our Ancestors," Ellipsis: A Journal of Art, Ideas, and Literature: Vol. 50, Article 21.
DOI: 10.46428/ejail.50.21
Available at: https://scholarworks.uno.edu/ellipsis/vol50/iss1/21
This Poetry is brought to you for free and open access by the Division of Language and Literature at ScholarWorks@UNO. It has been accepted for inclusion in Ellipsis: A Journal of Art, Ideas, and Literature by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UNO. For more information, please contact scholarworks@uno.edu.
My first Christian book "Testify and Walk"
This week, God reminded me of that very line and led me to continue building upon my 9-year leadership legacy—inspiring the youth and pressing forward with the same determination of faith and excellence. And later in the week, God confirmed His word with a blessing: the news that both my poetry, Honoring Our Ancestors and Why Does Our Beauty Matter, were officially published in Ellipsis: A Journal of Art, Ideas, and Literature, Volume 50 (2025) by the University of New Orleans. That wasn’t by chance—it was God-inspired, His Way of saying that the testimony He placed in me must continue to be shared.
When I look at the lives of those before us, I see the same God-inspired strength. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood tall and declared in his “I Have a Dream” speech that justice, righteousness, and love would prevail—not because of human will alone, but because of God’s promises. And Mamie Till Mobley, after the brutal murder of her fourteen-year-old son, Emmett Till, could have turned to silence and bitterness. Instead, she testified. She showed the world what hate had done, and yet, through forgiveness, she lifted God’s standard of righteousness.
Both of them were led by God’s hand, and their obedience changed history.
And here’s the truth: we all can do this. Each of us can live with that same courage, that same faith, and that exact obedience. Their example is not just a story from the past—it is a message to all of us about saving souls, continuing the purpose God has set before us, and carrying forward the legacy He entrusted into our hands. Just as my ancestors, God has given me a greater opportunity to carry on a legacy of faith, justice, and love. My eight-year leadership legacy is only one part of that bigger story, rooted in God’s call to inspire the youth, to serve, and to walk faithfully in His light. That is the heart behind this poem—because testimony is not only spoken, it is lived. This is “Testify and Walk”.
Also, UNO Press accepted "Testify and Walk" poem out of my first Christian book "Testify and Walk" .
Here is "Testify and Walk" poem
Testify and Walk (Spoken Word)
This morning, the message is the same
But it burns with fresh fire, it calls us by name.
Within our Christian walk, within our sacred story,
We are called to live with purpose, with testimony, with glory.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us—stand tall, even if the mountain is high.
Speak truth, dream loud, let justice roll by.
Mamie Till Mobley showed us—when the world breaks your heart,
God can take your sorrow and turn it into a start.
So don’t just talk about how good God has been—
Walk it. Live it. Let your life preach again.
Advocate the truth, even if you stand alone,
Because God will direct your steps, He will make it known.
Legacy is not just the echo of our name,
It’s the fire of our faith, it’s the truth we proclaim.
Testify with your lips, testify with your deeds,
Let your life be the sermon this broken world needs.
Even if it costs you, even if they turn away,
God’s light in you will shine brighter each day.
For history remembers the faithful, the strong,
Those who dared to walk right when the world walked wrong.
So testify—about how good God has been.
Testify—about the battles He let you win.
Testify—through your living, your service, your song,
And let your testimony march God’s truth along.
-Destiny Robinson
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Destiny (2026) "Testify and Walk", Elipsis: A Journal of Art, Ideas and Literature: Vol. 51.
Barnes and Noble first Christian book "Testify and Walk" link
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/testify-and-walk-destiny-robinson/1149047745
Amazon first Christian book "Testify and Walk" link
Ressurection Missionary Baptist Church Legacy" by Destiny Robinson
To Pastor Smith and RMBC family
Good morning, this is Destiny. One of the main mistakes in the world and why there are so many problems is that there is a neglect in following the right foundation, which is God’s foundation within all aspects God have shown us and with historical plaques snapshoting, but not enough emphasis why the Historical plaque is there and part of God's foundation. Under God’s direction, I created the historical plaque, “Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church Legacy,” to honor the 28 years of faith, obedience, and sacrifice that built this foundation. While many pass by historical plaques in buildings or universities without a second thought, God revealed to me that we must emphasize the deeper lessons and the prayers of our ancestors that these markers carry. We are called to do more than just read church history; we must acknowledge, thank God, and maintain a high dedication to fulfilling His purpose within the very walls He has blessed us with. This plaque stands as a lasting testament to God’s faithfulness, proving that when we honor our roots and remain committed to His calling, He truly makes the impossible possible.
Here is the historical plaque God led me to make for Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church highlighting the legacy within RMBC that God created
Here is my very first message link "Following God’s Foundation Is Necessary In Christian Experience" on August 9th at Ressurection Missionary Baptist Church for Annual Youth Day
https://youtu.be/vT0LJGqpOx4?is=Ym1NdO8FFfgwdKvm
Also here is "New Voices 2021-2022" by Professor Obradovic and me as editor. Nothing but God only led me to be Chief editor in New Voices for Fall 2021, Spring 2022 and Spring 2023 semester.
Also, here is "Xavier Perspective Leadership" by Destiny Robinson
https://www.xula.edu/news/2024/03/xavier-perspective-leadership-by-destiny-robinson.html
Also, here is my testimony I would like to share with everyone
“How God Truly Touched Me and My Life“ by Destiny Robinson
Good morning, Resurrection family and friends, visitors, Zoom members, and guests. First, giving honor and obedience to God, who is the head of my life. I will testify how God did the impossible in my life and show what I mean when I say nothing but God—always take God’s lead, even in a strange place, because He can do the impossible.
Before I ever stood on a stage or took God’s surprising direction in leadership and mentoring the youth for eight years, my story began with God’s impossible power. My strong single mother, Richelle Robinson, raised me without a father figure. Along with being fatherless, I faced early challenges such as a speech delay and low comprehension, also naysayers and one saying I wouldn't make it, not even mount up to college and also when little loud noises hurted my ears, but God when I got older and heard second line and school band play music no longer hurted my ears and this is where my love of music started. Many told me what I would not amount to—but God had the final say. I was born on July 25, 2002, my mom’s firstborn miracle child. She named me “Destiny” because she believed my life was divinely purposed. From the start, God’s hand was upon me, and my life message became this: God can do the impossible.
My spiritual life has been equally significant, beginning with my baptism at Austerlitz Street Baptist Church at the age of ten, where I sang in the adult and youth choirs, attended Sunday school, Bible class, and Vacation Bible School, and served as a soloist and secretary. At 19, I joined Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, where I sang in the choir and began my journey of service. By 21, I had become a youth trustee and counselor—roles that allowed me to pour into others, just as many had poured into me. Now, at 23, I continue that sacred work, inspired by God’s direction and strengthened by those who came before me, also now as adult trustee. God has led me to share this testimony with students at UNO, Xavier, Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, and even KIPP Renaissance High School, reminding all to believe and trust in Him and never give up. When you follow God’s direction, He opens doors, removes fear, and blesses you with a legacy and a A testimony beyond imagination, proving through my life that God turns the impossible into possible to inspire generations to honor His foundation, follow His lead, and walk into even greater opportunities and legacies—without having to struggle as I did, as our parents did, and as our ancestors did—for even though God brought us through it all, here we stand in this present moment, never forgetting to thank Him for doing the impossible in every way, through trials, tribulations, and circumstances, even in the moments when it was just me and God with no family or friends and how God can make a way out of no way and doing the impossible and it all being nothing but God.
On November 15, 2017, during my 10th-grade year at KIPP Renaissance High School, after many nights and days of rehearsing "The Star-Spangled Banner" through troubling times, I stood on stage at the Smoothie King Center with the KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale, terrified yet leaning completely on God. He did the impossible by leading me to hit the highest note at the Pelicans game. That night was scary, unforgettable, and between me and God. Still, it birthed not just a performance—it birthed how God led me to hit a high note that I never even thought and purpose understood and testimony how God can do the impossible, a purpose within leadership and making me stronger within my personal moments with God no family, church family and friends at the time and two legacies: the start of my 9-year leadership legacy and the foundational legacy of The KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale, all on the same night. For the next four years at KIPP, He carried me from fear to faith and allowed me to lead through academics, music, and graduating with a 3.7 GPA. At Xavier University of Louisiana, He again did the impossible, taking me from speech delay to Honor Roll, Dean’s List, advanced leadership, Chief Editor of New Voices, published writings, and induction into Omicron Delta Kappa. In 2025, He led me to the University of New Orleans, where He blessed me with leadership badges and the UNO Perspective: Leadership, confirming that obedience opens doors. At the same time, He rooted me in Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church as an adult trustee, youth counselor, and choir member, showing that in every place—KIPP, Xavier, UNO, and Resurrection—His power is the same, and He continues to turn the impossible into possible.
God blessed me to be the first in my family to continue my education carrying an 9-year leadership legacy and mentoring youths legacy at Kipp Renaissance High School at that time still at Austerletz Street Baptist Church, at Xavier University of Louisiana and at the University of New Orleans and also during these 2 times about mid junior year at Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church. I serve as an adult trustee member, youth counselor, and choir member at Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, while also sharing inspirational quotes, poetry, and my leadership story with students on UNO campus and in the past Xavier University of Louisiana campus. I teach them first about the foundation of having God within their life, honoring their ancestors legacy, honoring the history God created and also following God’s lead, even though, strange and based on doing these 3 things how God can do the impossible in blessing them with an even greater legacy and opportunities and never having to face and go through all we did and this is the legacy they will always remember. This legacy will be left for generations to continue, and I thank God for entrusting me to handle His business since I was 15 years old. Because of that, I don’t have to start all over now but can keep building on the foundation He gave me. My photo book, filled with memories from my family tree and memories inside nothing but God of my 9-year leadership legacy and also outside the first Christian book “Testify and Walk” is proof of His guidance and also UNO accepting my poem out of the first Christian book “Testify and Walk”. It is also an early Christmas present, being “everything” and a blessing from God at a young age in my book and my mother’s Christmas list not being expensive this year. God is still doing the impossible in my life and in the lives of students and youths. I remind them that the first step is honoring God’s commands, next honoring their ancestors’ legacy, and finally honoring the history God made. By following this foundation, God will bless them with even greater opportunities and legacies in their lives.Also, recently UNO Press accepted “Testify and Walk” from my first Christian book “Testify and Walk” poem and nothing but God I found out that I graduated from UNO Cum Laude. God has TRULLY brought me from a mighty long way and I thank him for every moment. Also, my first message “Following God’s Foundation Is Necessary In Christian Experience” was on Sunday, August 9th at Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church.
Therefore, we must teach our youths the truth about honoring God’s foundation—first His command, then our ancestors’ legacy, and the history He made to challenge injustice. From slavery (1619–1865), through Reconstruction and Jim Crow (1865–1950s), and into the Civil Rights Movement (1954–1968), leaders like Dr. King, Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Mamie Till-Mobley showed that God’s purpose never failed. Every sacrifice, including my grandmother who marched during the Civil Rights Movement and whose wisdom and support helped raise me alongside my mother, inspires me to carry a 9-year leadership legacy at UNO. I am the first in my family to receive such opportunities while serving through writing, music, education, and ministry at Resurrection. I thank God for blessing me with Resurrection youths, church family, friends, and loved ones, because you have honored my story and embraced the light He placed in me to inspire. From the high note He gave me on November 15, 2017, at the Pelicans game with the KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale, to this very moment, my life has been proof that God still does the impossible. He even inspired me to create a photo book so future generations can see first that following all aspects of the foundation God made will lead to God doing the impossible in their life, not to seek validation from this world that rejects this foundation and how God did the impossible in my life as he directed me within 9 years of leadership and inspiring the youths and having them believe He will do the same in a greater way for them. My journey—through KIPP Renaissance, Xavier University of Louisiana, UNO, and Resurrection—is engraved with testimony, legacy, and purpose. I stand as living proof that when you follow God’s lead, He prepares greater opportunities and legacies for your life. And you never know—maybe, just like mine, God can bless your testimony, legacy, and purpose in one night, the same way He did for me with my high note at the Pelicans game.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I Am Truly Inspired by You” by Destiny Robinson
First giving God all the glory and honor for he is worthy to be praised. God laid on my heart and in my mind all he led and directed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to do and how can I like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in all God is leading and directing me. In my first message that was on Sunday, August 9th Annual Youth Day God led me to say”, If you desire to have a relationship with God and do as God lead and direct you producing fruit, in order to be like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and continue on his legacy you have to first be willing to acknowledge and understand all that God led and directed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Also, you can't just know “I Have a Dream” speech and civil rights activist and Civil Rights Movement that included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You have to consider and acknowledge all that God led and directed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, especially graduating from school early. Also becoming a preacher at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 19 years old, it was nothing but God and only God, never Dr. Martin Luther King Jr himself. All presented here is nothing but God and his favor in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s life, calling and legacy. That's why also instead of just learning history all the time you have to make sure that you have the meat and bread which includes the substantial strong foundation and shape your sentences in how God led Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to do and how it is nothing but God behind all God led and directed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his legacy that God orchestrated and also his relationship with God through it all. Once you understand this, you will see in everyday life how you can continue Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and your actions and you being like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr everyday. Also, we have to understand how The Civil Rights Movement, nothing but God led it, even with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who led that movement being rooted in biblical principles of justice, love, truth, and nonviolence”. This is very important because when we recognize that God was the true source of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s strength, wisdom, and victory from God only, we realize that the same God can equip and direct us to overcome our own mountains and fulfill our purpose and calling that God leading and directing us to do today.
I deeply admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's relationship with God and the divine resilience that kept him on a straight path despite racial hatred, brutality, and violence against his family and community. God orchestrated Dr. King’s speeches, preaching, and activism into a lasting legacy that continues to help us navigate the mountains we face in our world today. His life not only inspires us, but it also draws us closer to the Lord and ignites the greater purpose God has placed in every one of our hearts. I see this same divine leadership at work across generations, from Mr.Richard Smallwood, his mother and stepfather, my pastor Pastor Gerome Smith and in each and every one of us. In that same spirit of obedience, my poem and first Christian book, “Testify and Walk” to testify to God’s power and encourage others to preach truth, trust His will, and stand firm even through life's most challenging seasons.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I Am Truly Inspired by You” by Destiny Robinson
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I look at your path and see the hand of God,
Anointed to walk where the fierce and the broken trod.
Beyond the textbook pages and the echoes of a dream,
I see a holy river flowing with a righteous stream.
It was nothing but God that kept your spirit unbent,
When beatings and brutality struck where you were sent.
Through the bombings, the shootings, the hatred, and the pain,
You walked straight forward in the shelter of His name.
It was nothing but God when you rose at nineteen,
A young preacher at Ebenezer at 19 years old, stepping onto the scene.
He gave you the wisdom, He sharpened your mind,
To preach holy justice and uplift all mankind.
This is the meat and the bread of your story—
Not the power of man, but the Lord and His glory.
Rooted deep in the Word, in love, truth, and grace,
God directed your footsteps to lead a whole race.
I am truly inspired by the work of your hands,
A legacy breathing across all of our lands.
I see that same fire in the songs we now raise,
Like Mr. Richard Smallwood, his mother and stepfather lifting generations in praise.
I see it in my church, in Pastor Gerome Smith’s call,
In mentors who teach every youth not to fall.
Also in each and every one of us.
It fuels my own pen as I write and I speak,
To” Testify and Walk” with the humble and meek.
I see God directing your family today,
As your granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, leads the way—
Continuing your legacy, standing so strong,
It is nothing but God keeping truth marching along
Also when the mountains rise high in this modern-day night,
Your God-given courage still gives us our sight.
You taught us that faith is a sermon we live,
In the truth that we speak and the mercy we give.
We honor the cost and the mantle you bore,
As God leads us forward to open each door.
To God be the glory for the path that you paved,
For every dark valley where His purpose was saved.
May the Lord who led you now direct our own feet,
To finish the race until His kingdom is complete.
May He orchestrate our lives, our calling, our song,
To testify boldly and march His truth along—
Leaving legacies blessed through the power of His grace,
Shining light in the darkness for every time and place.
Leaving legacies blessed through the power of God’s grace,
To God be the glory for all the great things He has done.
9 year leadership legacy from God
Here is the link to see the 9 years with leadership and mentoring the youths from God legacy
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1434qraMPqJslhkfEZVWFornvvj4TUqtY
Also here is the 9 year leadership legacy from God story
More About Me and The 9 year Leadership Legacy That God Orchestrated
I am Destiny Robinson. I was born on July 25th, 2002, which was a special day regarding my existence as the first-born miracle child of my mother, Richelle Robinson. I was named "Destiny" by my mother, I embody her belief in my destined path. My life has been marked by numerous accomplishments and leadership roles. I began my education at McDonough City Park Academy,at age six, and graduated from kindergarten. During the 1st grade, I earned recognition for my participation in a Neighborhood Poster Project. Later on in my life, I continued my education at Kipp McDonogh 15 Middle School. Despite initial challenges, absent father figure, delayed speech, low comprehension in reading and also since a little girl loud noises hurted my ears and one telling me I wouldn't make it and mount to all not even college (naysayers), but God. God blessed me to have thrived with the inspiration and support of Kipp staff, teachers, and students, achieving accolades such as "Student of the Month" and excelling academically, was a part of music recognition in band and singing in the choir.
My spiritual life has been equally significant. I was baptized at Austerlitz Street Baptist Church at age ten and actively participated by singing in the adult and youth church choir, along with attending Sunday school, Bible class, Vacation Bible School, soloist, and secretary. At 17, I became a member of Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, where I sang in the choir and began my journey of service. By 21, I was blessed to become a youth trustee and counselor—roles that allowed me to pour into our youth, just as so many poured into me. Now, at 23, I continue that sacred work, inspired by God’s direction and the strength of those who came before me. The foundation of my journey has always been Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Following that, Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—has carried me through. These scriptures remind me that when God leads, you never walk alone. With faith, obedience, and resilience, nothing is impossible.
Now, I have these roles, great honors of leadership and excellence from high school to present, and inspired through music, and life experience how God has been so good to me. It also highlights a lesson that no matter what age you are, God can also do the impossible. At Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, I not only sing in the choir, an adult trustee member and youth counselor, singing in the choir and I also volunteer after church by helping Ms.Lisa decorate the hall, help the feeding ministry serve the food, and clean up after church, on Saturdays with the Feeding Ministry, and church members and also made sure that the hall was ready and decorated and spotless for morning and evening repasses and reception events.
My high school years at Kipp Renaissance High School (2016–2020) were distinguished by inclusion in The Principal Honor Roll and active participation in leadership and excellence legacy. I delivered speeches at significant events, including The Class of 2020 Ring Ceremony, The Black History Month Program, and the Honor Roll Assembly. On November 15, 2017, God inspired me to leave a lasting impression in The Kipp Renaissance Legacy Chorale by hitting the highest note during a performance at the Pelicans game at Smoothie King Center, overcoming stage fright. This moment marked the beginning of my 9 year leadership and mentoring the youths legacy and also legacy story in why Mr. Welch named “The Kipp Renaissance Legacy Chorale”. I continued to showcase my vocal abilities with another high-note performance in 2019, solidifying my distinct honor within the chorale. From 2018 to 2020, I was also a member of The National Honors Society, demonstrating leadership both within and outside The Legacy Chorale. My dedication and willingness to volunteer earned me respect and admiration. I graduated from Kipp Renaissance High School with a 3.7 GPA, inspiring juniors and staff through my remarkable achievements and God doing the impossible.
At Xavier University of Louisiana, I have continued my legacy in leadership and excellence. In Fall 2020, I have achieved academically Principal Honor Roll by having a semesterly gpa of 4.0. I have achieved for Fall 2023 and spring 2024, The Dean’s List of having a 3.30gpa or above for more than 1 semester. Along with being part of the National Honors Society And Success, I have completed executive and advanced leadership. In New Voices in Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Fall 2023 got promoted to Chief Editor of New Voices. To deserve this role for a year and a half, I have helped Professor Obradovic with editing the New Voice 2022-2023 novel. This position as Chief Editor for a year and a half has been an honor and a part of why it is important when you have the gift of leadership to show it. In 2024, I got an invitation and induction into The Omicron Delta Kappa National Honors Society. Some of my known pieces that address the importance of love, leadership, our ancestors, being a Xavierite, the importance of life and confidence is “The Xavierite’s Perspective”, “Dreams Of Equality”, “The Importance Of Freedom”, “The Fate Of Future Generations In The Future”, “Honoring Our Ancestors”, “The Realities Of The World”, “Why Does Our Beauty Matter”, “The Enjoyment And Mysteries Of Life”, “Honoring Black African-American Women”, “The Personal Journey Of Self Empowerment”.
At The University of New Orleans, I transferred to UNO during the Spring 2025 semester. For the past 8 years—since 2017—God has led me on a leadership journey that has shaped my identity and calling. From high school to Xavier University of Louisiana, and now at UNO, I’ve remained faithful to the path He placed before me: to serve with purpose, lead with humility, and uplift others with truth and love. My arrival at UNO was more than academic—it was spiritual. It was another step in the leadership legacy God blessed me to carry. The UNO’s Office of Student Involvement and Leadership created space for that legacy to grow. Through UNO Privateer Passage, I completed several leadership development badges, including: Navigator: Accurate Self-Knowledge, Global Citizenship, Mental Health and Wellness, and Conscientious Decision-Making, Crew: Accurate Self-Knowledge and Mental Health and Wellness and Launchpad Leader. These experiences reminded me that God equips those He calls. In April 2025, I was nominated for the Silent Student Inspiration Award and honored at the 41st Annual Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony. That moment wasn’t about recognition—it was about confirmation. It confirmed what God had already spoken to me: that every step of obedience, every “yes” to Him, was preparing me to lead with grace and boldness. During that same semester, Ellipsis, UNO’s literary journal, accepted two of my poems: “Honoring Our Ancestors” and “Why Does Our Beauty Matter?” These works reflect the strength, identity, and cultural pride of Black people. Through poetry, I continue using my voice to glorify God, honor my roots, and speak truth to power. He also led for me to continue a similar project as Xavier Perspective “Leadership” by Destiny Robinson by continuing UNO Perspective “Leadership” by Destiny Robinson, which explains how God’s hand has guided my 9-year leadership journey—honoring UNO’s historic legacy, inspiring students to seek Him first, and showing how faith, purpose, and obedience can shape lives and create lasting impact for the present and future Privateers at UNO. During the beginning spring 2026 semester, God led and directed me to write my first Christian book “Testify and Walk” and it is published on Barnes and Noble and Amazon and UNO accepting my first Christian poem “Testify and Walk out of my first Christian book “Testify and Walk” reflecting the importance of honoring all aspects within God's foundation, honoring our ancestors and continuing their legacy including Mamie Till Mobley and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the importance of us all testifying to others how God can do the impossible and also my testimony included how God did the impossible, also I graduated from UNO on May 8th cum laude. Nothing but God! Also, my first Christian book “Testify and Walk” signing was on August 1st from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Barnes and Noble Metairie and also my first message “God’s Foundation is Necessary in Christian Experience” on Annual Youth Day on August 9th at Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church.
Therefore, these works reflect the strength, identity, and cultural pride of Black people. Through poetry, I continue using my voice to glorify God, honor my roots, and speak truth to power. He also led for me to continue a similar project as “Xavier Perspective “Leadership” by Destiny Robinson by continuing “UNO Perspective “Leadership” by Destiny Robinson, which explains how God’s hand has guided my 9-year leadership journey—honoring UNO’s historic legacy, inspiring students to seek Him first, and showing how faith, purpose, and obedience can shape lives and create lasting impact for the present and future Privateers at UNO. During the beginning spring 2026 semester, God led and directed me to write my first Christian book “Testify and Walk” and it is published on Barnes and Noble and Amazon reflecting the importance of honoring all aspects within God's foundation, honoring our ancestors and continuing their legacy including Mamie Till Mobley and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the importance of us all testifying to others how God can do the impossible and also my testimony included how God did the impossible in my life. Also, the UNO Press accepted to be in the next Ellipsis issue which will be the 51st my first Christian poem, “Testify and Walk”. Nothing but God! I graduated from UNO on May 8th 2026 as a bachelor of liberal arts in sociology major and women studies minor and cum laude and also finishing strong as God led me for 9 years within leadership and mentoring the youths and first Christian book and poem “Testify and Walk” .
I remain very dedicated to my church background, social worker career, and legacy of leadership and excellence. I am driven by my passion for helping and inspiring others. My legacy of leadership and excellence extends beyond my achievements, as I continue to mentor and inspire younger generations to embrace boldness, confidence, and the pursuit of greatness. Therefore, I believe that in the future by having my legacy and foundation based on leadership, excellence, church, singing in the choir putting God first, and continuing to be an example the younger and future generations will create an even greater legacy. I believe in serving others with a generous heart and strive to create a compassionate and supportive society, embodying the principles of love, leadership, service, understanding, and mutual respect. I am devoted to continuing God’s will and purpose this way in my life, which will lead him tremendously to continue to exhibit my testimonial story of how God will always do the impossible within my life.
Celebrating the milestones: Year 1 is my high note at the pelicans game 2017, whole years 2018, 2019, 2020 to 2025 and including 2026 is year 9 even with the first Christian book “Testify and Walk” and when I graduate this year on May 8th. I am measuring my journey from late 2017 to my 2026 graduation because the significance of the moment outweighs the length of the year, trusting that every chapter—no matter when it began—is written by God.
Destiny's 9 year leadership legacy from God timeline
My High Note at the Pelicans Game
Here is the monent where God did it all my high note at the pelicans game and here is my testimony that moment and God leading my high note to become the Kipp Renaissance Legacy Chorale Legacy story and now I have a testimony and the amazing way God led "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood as well I would like to share with everyone today.
Total Praise Testimony
On November 15, 2017, during my 10th-grade year at KIPP Renaissance High School, after many nights and days of rehearsing "The Star-Spangled Banner" through troubling times, I stood on stage at the Smoothie King Center with the KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale, terrified yet leaning completely on God. He did the impossible by leading me to hit the highest note at the Pelicans game. That night was scary, unforgettable, and between me and God. Still, it birthed not just a performance—it birthed how God led me to hit a high note that I never even thought and purpose understood and testimony how God can do the impossible, a purpose within leadership and making me stronger within my personal moments with God no family, church family and friends at the time and two legacies: the start of my 9-year leadership legacy and the foundational legacy of The KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale, all on the same night.
Also, on that same day, God surprised me with a blessing I didn’t even know I was prepared for. That night, standing on the stage at The Smoothie King Center with The KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale, filled with first performance stage fright and before many days, nights and adjustment in my voice and rehearsals with “Star Spangled Banner”. However, because I had strong faith in God, it removed all fears and led me to hit the highest note at the end of “Star Spangled Banner”. God led this to become the very beginning of my 9-year leadership legacy and the foundation of The KIPP Renaissance Legacy Chorale. In that moment, God took the lead in my life, and I followed. I didn’t realize then that I was stepping into my purpose—not just to sing, but to lead, to inspire, and to walk in a legacy that would touch others. Despite the challenges—adjusting my voice from gospel to patriotic, finding confidence in unfamiliar spaces, and pushing through anxiety—God remained faithful. He was my help, my peace, my strength. That’s why “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood became more than a song; it became my testimony. Every time I sing, “Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills, knowing my help is coming from You… You are the source of my strength, You are the strength of my life, I lift my hands in total praise to You”. I remember how God carried me from confusion to clarity, from fear to faith, from just trying to get by to walking in divine purpose. And that legacy didn’t end in 2017—it continues to this day. For 9 years, God inspired me to have carried this calling forward, leading and inspiring youth to trust God, to follow His lead, and to walk boldly even when the path isn’t clear—because when you don’t know what to do, God already does. So to every young person: take God’s lead even if he leads you in a strange place. Trust His direction, and let Him surprise you—because what He’s building in you now could be the foundation of something greater than you can imagine and this still being God doing the impossible. Also, through Christ who strengthens you all things are possible nothing is impossible for God.
Not only that thank you Lord for through the most challenging times that Mr. Richard Smallwood experienced Lord how you was there and comforted him through his challenging moments even here in tears and he intended the song to be a pity party song at first and lord you showing him how you was always there through it all no matter what and also led and directed him once realized that and also comforted him through his tearful moment Lord how you let and directed him with very powerful comforting words to compose “Total Praise” in reverence and praise to you God. During that time, his mother and his close friend were terminally ill with cancer and his foster brother had ongoing mental and emotional health battles. Also, for me and the Kipp Renaissance Legacy Chorale how God led “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood to not only be a sign of hope also God's presence being there through the many hardships we had with Star Spangled Banner and how the legacy, testimony purpose all that God blessed after the hardship was nothing but him.
Richard Smallwood’s song “Total Praise” has always inspired me from age 15 to the present, reminding me of a God who does the impossible 🙏. We are grateful for his dedication, rehearsals in church, and the way his music continues to uplift and encourage hearts everywhere. Thank you, Richard Smallwood, for sharing your gift and leaving a legacy of faith, worship, and inspiration that will live on and inspire many generations.
Here is "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood
https://youtu.be/jCjaUwEsMdQ?is=vTnxfw3-rsQnY8vT
Here is my high note at the pelicans game moment and legacy story trully nothing but God
https://youtu.be/CfetK8mBV_Y?is=kWLKdyHOOW3t7eM6
https://youtu.be/SqKTD9sR1gU?is=fS1GV1r8JTBGDWO5
My first Christian book "Testify and Walk" PDF
Here is my first Christian book "Testify and Walk" PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Qa5oN0ObR3RYL8sI5_8EXBLuweWBHcC/view?usp=drivesdk