Learning Leadership Through Build It Green
Markell Davenport from Build It Green
Markell Davenport jokes with his colleague Destiny this morning at the Build It Green headquarters. “It wasn’t just me,” he asserts. Destiny has been jabbing him about not being on her team during a recent assignment. The group of five had split into teams before building small model homes out of scrap plywood and cardboard.
They playfully squabbled a few times before the Program Coordinator, Christian, prompted them with the day’s question, “What have you made that you are the proudest of?” Every morning, their routine includes a “checking in” ritual: answering one challenging question determined by the Program Coordinator. There is no wrong answer, but you must reply honestly.
“What have you made that you are the proudest of?”
Markell and his colleagues working on building a wheelchair ramp at a home in the Glass Street neighborhood.
Markell’s response: “The wheelchair ramp - the big one.” This latest cohort of the Build It Green team built several ramps for low-income households this summer, so he had to clarify which one. This is the one with a 90* turn, a set of stairs, and sits on an unlevel carport of an older home in the Glass Street neighborhood. “I'm really proud of that one.”
“I was iffy about it. I’m an antisocial person, and I don’t like opening up. Being here taught me how to open up.”
Soft-spoken but confident, Markell confides that he wasn't so sure during his first few days in the Build It Green program, “I was iffy about it. I’m an antisocial person, and I don’t like opening up. Being here taught me how to open up and express my communication skills better.”
Markell and other BIG members inspect a home for water damage, mold, and other health hazards.
The Build It Green program is as unique as its members. Through a partnership with Build Me a World and AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service Initiative, the program recruits young adults, ages 18-24, who grew up in the neighborhoods that the program serves. The curriculum includes mentorship to develop soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork while offering hands-on experience with community organizing, carpentry, home repair, and weatherization.
They only work on low-income homes or on community projects, such as constructing Little Free Libraries or playground equipment. In exchange, members receive a living allowance and an educational award that can go towards college tuition.
Markell and other BIG members at an intensive 2-day training on Green and Healthy Homes.
Weatherizing a home did not exist in Markell’s wheelhouse prior to this summer. His experience operating power tools ranked little to none. Instead, he learned this skill side-by-side with his fellow team members. Markell now handles drills and power saws confidently and with a keen eye.
In these last few months, Markell and his four fellow Build It Green members attended countless trainings, became OSHA 10 certified, built three wheelchair ramps, and insulated two attics.
When talking about that wheelchair ramp - the big one - he explains that the recipient could not come home from the hospital until the ramp was complete. So what did they do? They worked long days, and they hustled. Within three days, the project was complete.
“It makes me happy knowing I did something for somebody, and they can use it for years.”
“I got to meet his wife and his sons, and they thanked us for doing it. His wife was on the porch every morning. It makes me happy knowing I did something for somebody, and they can use it for years.” He pauses, and his face lights up, “The smile on their face makes my day.”
Markell finishes his six-month placement with Build It Green at the end of December. Next, he is pursuing his career goal of becoming a park ranger. “I love being outdoors. I enjoy taking care of the earth because we got to be here,” he plainly states. In addition, he plans on using the educational award from Build It Green to study Biology at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.
The Summer/Fall 2022 cohort (from L to R): Markell, Dexter (program director), Bri, DeAngelo, and Tianna.
When asked what he would tell someone who remained unsure if the program would be a good fit for them, he answers, “Think about the things you want to do with your life and if you want to have personal growth and learn skills that you can apply to your everyday life - Build It Green would be perfect for you.”
Interview with Markell Davenport taken at the Build It Green headquarters on November 15, 2022. Markell would like to thank all the Ella Kliger from green|spaces for her continued support and encouragement. Written by Jaclyn Lewis.