Dr. Everett Mitchell spoke last Saturday on September 19th at Wisconsin’s annual Rockin’ Recovery Rally on the journey of recovery and the support that is needed to accomplish this. Dr. Mitchell holds many roles in the Madison community. He serves as a Pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church, he is the Director of Community Relations at UW-Madison, and he has served as an Assistant District Attorney for many years.
At the rally, Dr. Mitchell shared much wisdom and encouragement to those that attended. His words were so powerful that onlookers attending the Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square began walking up on the Capitol lawn to get a glimpse of the man speaking.
“While I may not be an expert,” Dr. Mitchell explained, “I know that the human spirit is stronger than what we can ever realize.”
As individuals we can naturally be hard on ourselves and individuals suffering from substance use disorders may forget their inner power and human spirit that are in our possession. Along with the mission of the rally hosted, Dr. Mitchell eloquently reminded us that we as a people could find our inner spirit and take control of our journey to recovery or support others on that journey. As an example, over 800 people from all over the state of Wisconsin joined the Rockin’ Recovery Rally to collectively bring together this overwhelmingly joyous and supportive human spirit to celebrate recovery.
“Just about everyone, regardless, of political affiliation, race, class, gender or sexual orientation, has been touched by this disease,” Dr. Mitchell conveyed, “In the end, we must provide them with a way to come back home.”
Events, such as the Rally, are an amazing way to bring together people and celebrate as a community the journey taken and the hope that was never forgotten. We cannot forget to continue to celebrate our community.
Written by: Hadeel Hasan, MSW