Devita Parke is a child molestation and teen pregnancy advocate. She has overcome the very thing she is now an advocate for. Born in in the 70's during the "Uncle Reggie Era", Devita fell victim to molestation which later resulted in the birth of two children before she was 18 years old. The "Uncle Reggie Era" was a time in which molestation and any sort of abuse was purposely disregarded to protect the offenders in the black community. This is still an epidemic but ran rampid through the 70's and 80's. Devita was labeled an outcast and problematic due to her family's inability to vindicate her from the monster who ultimately took her innocence. Thus, any frustration displayed from Devita (outburts, anxiety, promiscuity, depression) was automatically demonized and disregarded.

 

Although she was talented, intelligent and articulate, Devita was often degraded and belittled by family members and friends who would deny her of her worth. They knew the power she possessed and knew they could capitalize off of her pain to gain what they wanted and they did. 

 

Devita spent countless years trying to find love, who she was and what her purpose was. She was often plagued with the demons from her past via the molestation. The devastating part was that emotional outlets were limited for her. Devita had experienced so much heartbreak and hardship that she began to question if there really was a God. The thought of suicide weighed over her head but as always, God uses some of us as vessels to get through to us. She realized that her suicide would bring much heartache to her children and opted against it. 

 

She gave birth to two more children and experienced difficulty finding adequate childcare so that she could support herself and her family. Devita took every opportunity that would come her way to gain some stability for her family with unpredictable childcare that would often disappoint her. It wasn't long before employers and agencies saw that she had true talent and the desire for upward mobility and they recruited her. Deeming her a valuable asset. 

 

During a shift in her life, God allowed her to see that without him, she could possibly face homelessness and being without her children. Devita immediately submitted to God and he rewarded her with a place to stay and an amazing career.  ​She began to discover that she was powerful and started researching what it would be like to develop her own ministry. At the age of 28, she preached her first sermon at National Spiritual Temple(Now Celestial Infinity) in Upper Marlboro Maryland. Devita had finally begun to align herself with God's word so that she could carry out his promise.

 

She met Delroy Parke jr whom she would later marry and give birth to her only son. Devita had finally had an epiphany about life and realized that because of God's grace and mercy, she was spared from death, calamity, substance abuse and so much more simply because she had a greater purpose. Her purpose was to minister to those who had gone through what she had and vindicate all of those victims who hadn't found their voice yet. 

 

Now the owner of four businesses and a published author, Devita is dedicated to liberating the youth within the community to prepare them for the future. Her graciousness and willingness to share her story and mentor will free many of those who are in bondage. DeVita’s leadership under the Self-Funded, iJustWant2help, is a major contribution to many avenues throughout the DMV area, i.e. Capital Area Food Bank, Martha’s Table and many other local charity programs. 

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