Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to M. Ahmanise Sanati Morgan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
M. Ahmanise, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Since becoming a mother, I would undoubtedly say that my purpose is to do everything possible to make this world a better place for my children and the next generation. Of course, what that looks like manifests in so many ways… but I will say it was through social work that I found my first, or, original purpose. I knew that I wanted to help others, especially vulnerable populations. And through this work, I discovered my passion project, to build a library system in the Los Angeles County jail.
I began my work in the jail system at Twin Towers Correctional Facility as an intern with the Department of Mental Health. When I graduated from UCLA, I joined LA County as a Psychiatric Social Worker in the LA County Jail. I fell in love with the work, in fact, I didn’t apply anywhere else because I knew that was where I wanted to be. It was like a calling, my purpose. I proceeded to work there for over a decade.
Through my time in the jail, one thing I learned is that we needed to be creative to be effective. Because realistically, how can I possibly provide “treatment” in a place that’s become known as a place of mistreatment? How do I help people cope with trauma, in an environment where they are consistently re-traumatized? How can I give hope to someone who has stated they are hopeless, living in a small cell with a metal bed, no access to sunlight, wearing a suicide gown and unable to sleep because of the screams from his “celly”? Well, there was one thing that worked that often brought a sense of relief, humanity, and sanity in a way that nothing else could, and it was books.
Books were the one and only thing I could provide to those I served, literally the only item they could have in their cell outside of toilet paper or soap. At the time, I would bring books from home that I would often pick up from the local library. I held some book drives in my community, and soon enough, I became known for bringing books within the jail. Eventually, this turned into what has now become my passion project. Although I left my position at the jail in 2022, my efforts continue, and I’m forever committed to ensuring the LA County Jail system has a permanent, sustainable, and accessible library for all incarcerated individuals.
Circling back to my purpose and reflecting on how challenging it has been to make positive change, I believe that through all of the work I’ve done in my life, I’ve found my purpose. My purpose isn’t defined by one library, one organization, or one job- it is in the constant effort to push back against the status quo, even if it means being the only one. When I think of why it’s been so difficult to create change, I’ve learned that it’s largely because we are up against people who are mostly concerned with maintaining the status quo- and that’s it. Most would rather not be bothered with bureaucratic hurdles, even it is intended to benefit those who we are supposed to serve. As a result, it is the vulnerable populations we serve who suffer… and that is a travesty. So it should be no surprise to share that what we’ve accomplished thus far with the jail library effort was only possible through years of persistence, determination, and an unshakable will to see this through, even while risking pushback every step of the way. I often ask myself, “If I don’t do it, who will?”- and thus, I’ve found my purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I feel so lucky to have found a profession that allows me to manifest my personal values in my work. In fact when I read the National Association of Social Worker’s code of ethics, the piece that especially stood out for me was “challenge social injustice”. Although I’m still very much on my journey, those words have guided me in my career in public service and my unwavering commitment to make this world a better place.
As a counselor in LAUSD serving students affected by homelessness, foster care, and the juvenile justice system, I witness the struggles my students face, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. I also have an ethical obligation to advocate for them, so that is something that I’m eager to do as we continue to move forward in uncertain times that will be certainly worse for our most vulnerable. Additionally, I just finished teaching my first course at UCLA in the MSW program, and the students are amazing, so inspiring. They see what’s happening, they want change, and I look forward to continuing to do my part to help raise the next generation of leaders.
Lastly, I’m excited to share that Westside Activists will be putting on the Kids’ March for Equality on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Westchester. Westside Activists, the organization I co-founded with other moms, essentially gave us an opportunity to have a voice in our community. We host family-friendly opportunities to engage in social justice actions. The Kids’ March for Equality is a wonderful opportunity to show our youth support, and to teach them how to use their voice.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Be kind… I know it sounds so simple, but yet it is sadly not so common these days. I always tell my kids that the most important thing that I want for them is to be is kind to others. And when the kindness genuinely comes from the heart with dignity, respect, and love, it truly matters and makes a difference. It can save a life, especially in a culture where bullying has become a part of a leadership style that is both harmful and pervasive. Of course we all have our moments, but I try to remind myself of my privilege and ethical responsibility, and to always lean on this basic principle.
Get involved with a cause you are passionate about (there so are many to choose from!). The world needs help, and when we get caught up in our day-to-day, often times we forget the causes that we care about or that led us to the work we do. It’s easy to be “too busy” and to get caught up in the grind of life, which can be overwhelming. But I feel that it’s through this type of volunteer work that we recharge and grow, while making the world a better place. And another bonus, we find community. I have met some of my favorite people in service of others, and these experiences only continue to nourish my life, refine my perspective, and add depth to my purpose.
“Don’t become part of the infrastructure”. This is something that I have found myself saying lately based on my observations of society. When we work for big systems, it’s easy to get sucked in. In my work, I’ve seen far too many of my family, friends, and colleagues become one with “the system”, and sometimes they literally appear as if they’ve morphed into their desk, the walls, the actual structure… and it’s disturbing. As I see it, it’s a sign of neglected burnout, and very much the system working by design. I’ve personally experienced burnout and it’s easy to miss the warning signs, especially when we live in a society where it’s rewarded. Burnout is toxic, lethal, and requires consistent effort to avoid succumbing to its grip. So now, I challenge myself to resist and encourage my students and anyone else to do the same.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have unconditionally supported me. Naively, I thought that was the case for everyone, and it wasn’t until I went to college that I learned that this foundation of my being was not a given for all. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized how privileged I was to have this gift that has allowed me to be. Such a simple concept, but not universal… and so incredibly impactful. It’s the reason I’m alive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ahmanise
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ahm.a.rama
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-ahmanise-sanati-lcsw-ppsc-544a42292
Image Credits
Fara Aidul & Liz Kane
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