NAVIGATION
“Why Vermont? Why Not?”
by Onyekachi Akalonu
Whenever I take a trip back to the Bronx, conversations with old friends usually revolve around their amazement at me choosing Vermont as a place to live. The hustle and bustle of the “Big City” was far too exciting to trade in for dairy farms and maple sugarhouses. This is coupled with the fact that Vermont is the second whitest state in the Union. Nonetheless, shortly before my 22nd birthday, I told my parents I was moving out to live in Vermont.
Navigating the world in your early 20s post COVID was, for lack of better words, fucking awful. All I wanted was a chance to do something. So after some consideration, I took the chance on Vermont. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my entire life was upside down. And the weird part about it? Vermont made me feel safe enough to do so. I found people, like me, who stumbled into Vermont and created something they can call home. If I had a dollar every time someone said they didn’t plan on staying here as long as they did, I’d have enough to retire here.
Unfortunately, the opposite is true for those in their mid-20s to early 30s who so desperately want to leave. Vermont is one of the oldest states in the country, with a median age of about 43 years old. Many young Vermonters seek greener pastures in the cities of Massachusetts and New York, leaving their parents and grandparents. Like my friends back home, young Vermonters are asking themselves, “Why Vermont?”
After my first nine months here, I quickly became disillusioned with my decision, fueled by youthful naivety. I was quickly running out of money. I was fed up with how cold the winter was. And I missed a reliable public transportation system. I was far from my family and friends, completely unaware of what it meant to be an adult. My friends seemed to have shinier lives in bigger cities with brighter futures. Many times, I thought of moving back in with my parents. The only thing that kept me put was the thought of getting vaporized by the weight of their “We told you so.” I ruminated on the idea of leaving until my supervisor posed an important question to me: “Do you want to be a big fish in a big pond or a big fish in a little pond? Either way, you’re a big fish. The only difference is how big your waves are.”
So I decided that I was going to make Vermont my home. It was going to be my project – a testament to my grit. I joined a gym and went for hikes. I said good morning to people I passed in the street. I drank good IPAs and breathed the crisp air on the chair lift at Bolton Valley. I decided to find my future in the mountains. This led me to meet great people who helped advance my career and shape my perspective on the power of youth in a place like Vermont.
In any given news cycle, we are bombarded with the alleged debilitating state of our towns in Vermont, especially the cultural hubs in Chittenden County. The ongoing narrative is that Vermont is not the safe New England haven it once was. Instead, it is a breeding ground for rampant drug use and violence. Businesses are closing yearly, and conversations around public well-being are priorities every voting cycle.
It is easy to fall into the trap that Vermont is on the decline. However, I hold a different perspective. What I’ve come to learn about Vermont is its long-standing culture of community. The CEO of your local bank may also be on your Monday dodgeball team. In the same way, the doctor caring for your elderly mother may be recovering from addiction after coping with the loss of his wife. The multitude of stories in this state, both native and adopted, make for a patchwork of possibilities for a transformative outcome. And it starts with our young working people, especially non-white ones.
Today, there are over 2,000 BIPOC businesses and over 40,000 BIPOC professionals in our state. Amidst the growth of the BIPOC working class, Vermont is increasingly becoming more inclusive, equitable, and progressive, resulting in a thriving statewide community. These two occurrences are not parallel. Rather, they speak to the importance of a diverse populace filled with young people hungry for opportunity and change.
In an intimate setting in Vermont, I see that change is tangible for young people to take hold of. I came to Vermont with the hope of finding something to do. I guess I could’ve stayed in the Bronx, but then I’d never feel the storybook-ness of Church Street when the first sheet of winter snow falls. I’d never be a part of an organization that serves the needs of immigrant and low-income families. I’d never see the grandeur of peak foliage when I reach the summit of Mt Philo.
Four years later, when asked why I stay in Vermont, I think of the sky on a clear, summer night and say, “It just feels right.”
About the Author
Onyekachi Akalonu is a native of the Bronx, NY, of Nigerian descent. A year after graduating from Howard University in 2020, Onyekachi moved to Vermont. He is a passionate community member with a deep passion for social justice, positive environments for youth development, and equity. He currently works in Development and Communications at a nonprofit in Burlington while freelancing as a writer and graphic designer.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Anatole Onguende (he/him)!
Anatole has been a resident of Vermont for 14 years and is based in Milton. He is the owner of OG’s Cleaning Service LLC, a professional cleaning company.
news FROM THE NETWORK
Join the VT PoCket Club: An Exclusive Facebook Group!
What’s a network without networking? We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook group: The VT PoCket Club!
We created this group after hearing from members who wanted more ways to connect with one another. Since Facebook is a common platform for many, we thought it’d be a great space to build community, share resources, and support each other.
Our hope is to continue growing this group and bring in as many VT PoC members as possible!
Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of VT PoC’s Resources!
Looking for new opportunities or ways to get involved?
We offer a variety of resources to support you—personally and professionally!
VT PoC’s The Things in Between: Full Playlist
Explore key topics like life insurance, personal credit, financial planning, and business entity basics to gain valuable insights to support your financial journey.
VT PoC x VSBLC Legal Webinars: Past Recordings
Missed a webinar? Catch up with our past recordings and stay informed on key legal topics! Learn about starting a nonprofit, liabilities & torts, legal contracts, hiring your first employee, and more!
| Other Resources | |
|---|---|
| WEOC 2025: Workshop Proposals | Become part of the wonder of the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference as a speaker! Applications are open for proposals for this year’s conference on 9/27 in Randolph. Proposals may be submitted through 5pm on 7/24. |
| Visiting Teacher-Naturalist Program | Educators or experts in fields related to nature connection are welcomed to week of teaching and learning through our program. We will begin reviewing proposals for the November 2025 session on 7/19, and will continue to accept proposals for this and future sessions on a rolling basis. |
| Opt-In BIPOC Wedding Vendors List | A local wedding officiant is building a directory of BIPOC businesses to share with couples seeking services from BIPOC for their special day. If you’d like your services to be included, reach out to carmengeorgevt@gmail.com to opt in! |
| All Brains Belong Reopening to New Patients | Our area of focus is medical care of neurodivergent people with complex chronic health conditions, either known or suspected. We are only able to accept new patients within this scope of practice. |
| Seeking Research Participants From People Who Identify as Biracial or Multiracial | Open to sharing your experiences at work? We are studying how multiracial individuals navigate their careers and experience today’s workplace. Participation would involve a confidential virtual interview lasting approx. 1 hr. Submit the interest form or email at budworth@yorku.ca. |
| Homeshare Vermont: A More Affordable Way to Live | Homeshare Vermont offers an affordable way of living by connecting people through thoughtful, affordable homesharing matches based on lifestyle, interests, and needs. Check out their website and see if it interests you! |
| Applications Open Now: Salisbury Square Village Homeownership | Salisbury Square Village is a new, permanently affordable housing community developed by the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation. Located mere moments from Randolph’s historic downtown, Salisbury Square Village offers residents comfort, convenience, and climate resilience in a close-knit village setting. |
EVENTS
Ongoing — VT PoC Virtual Office Hours Series: Business Support Drop Ins
Looking for help with your business? These informal sessions are open to BIPOC professionals who could use technical assistance, business support, or just someone to bounce ideas off of.
Schedule:
- General Drop Ins (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) – July 11, July 18, July 25
Drop in any time during the hour, no registration or appointment needed!
July 14 — VT PoC’s NEK Meet & Greet: Part Three!
We’re back for round three—come kick it with VT PoC at Downstreet Bar & Grill in St. Johnsbury!
I Am Vermont Too will be onsite taking portraits for their statewide photo exhibit. Participation is completely optional, but if you’d like to be included, this is a great chance to get involved!
July 19 — VT PoC: Berry Picking
We’d love for you to join VT PoC at Adam’s Berry Farm in Charlotte on Saturday, July 19th, from 12 PM to 3 PM for some sunshine, berry picking, and good vibes!
As a special treat, the first 10 people to arrive will have their first pint of berries paid for, so make sure to get there early!
July 27 — VT PoC x The Body Lab: Pilates Class
Want to take a reformer pilates class with good people, good music, and for a good price? Join VT PoC for one of two classes being offered at Body Lab VT! Classes will cater to all levels and will center a playful opportunity to engage with movement.
Financial assistance available – please email thefam@gmail.com to inquire.
The Schedule:
- Class Two: 1:30-2:20pm
- Class One: 12:00-12:50pm
August 10 — 5th Annual August Kickback!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 10th, from 12 PM to 4 PM! Prepare for a lively atmosphere filled with captivating music to move your feet, delicious food to tantalize your taste buds, and engaging activities designed to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Location details will be shared with confirmed RSVPs.
In the spirit of fostering “Strength In CommUNITY,” the Kickback will also feature valuable information on a variety of community resources directly relevant to our theme. Discover local organizations and initiatives dedicated to supporting and uplifting BIPOC individuals and families across Vermont.
trainings & professional development
| Date | Workshop | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 30 | Department of Labor Job Fair | 5:00 PM – 6:35 PM | Burlington |
| August 11 | VCRD’s 6th Community Leadership Summit | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Randolph |
FUNDING & GRANTS
Thank you to everyone who applied for VT PoC’s Community Impact Grant!
Applications are closed—we hope to reopen this opportunity in the future. If you’d like to learn more or contribute, click the link below!
| Due Date | Grant | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| July 15 | Vermont Community Foundation Northeast Kingdom Fund | Supports opportunities, project, or ideas that will benefit the people and communities in the NEK. |
| Rolling | Vermont Equity & Justice Grant Program 2025 | Addresses needs that have arisen as a direct result of federal actions and policies. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Enhanced Rebate | For eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits to purchase qualifying equipment or complete a custom project. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Capacity Building | Supports consultant fees for nonprofit organizational capacity building work. |
| Rolling | Grassroots Fund: Grow Grants | For groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. |
| Rolling | Vermont Humanities Rapid Response Grants | Quick turn-around small grants for humanities-focused community projects. Awards up to $1,000. |
| Rolling | Grassroots Fund: Seed Grants | Support for community groups who represent a broad range of voices in their community and who are not being reached by other funders. |
| Rolling | New England Presenter Travel Fund | Supports travel costs associated with researching artistic work that may eventually be presented in New England. |
| Rolling | Community Action Team | Offers general or project support within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. |
| Rolling | USDA Small Business Cost Share Program | Businesses with fewer than 50 employees and gross profit under $1,000,000 are eligible. |
| Rolling | Social Equity: Vermont Cannabis Control Board | Individuals determined to meet social equity status by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board may be eligible. |
NEWS
From Nepal to Vermont: Winooski weaving project displays the ties that bind
The project helped resurrect techniques and memories of life in Nepal, and some of the women have taken the mini looms provided home to continue weaving.
Le Bon GoûT Brings African Food to Winooski
Onion City resident and Togo native Elom Essiba jumped on the chance to run her catering business at her hometown’s public pool concession stand.
Offbeat Creemee Moves Into Uncommon Coffee in Essex
Two “business friends” are teaming up to share space, with the plant-based ice cream biz serving its cones, creemees and shakes from the café’s back counter.
Will Kasso Condry Receives 12th Annual Herb Lockwood Prize
The Afrofuturist painter, graffiti scholar and educator accepted the award in a ceremony at the BCA Center in Burlington on Saturday.
