Officer Brenda Ruiz
Officer Ruiz moved to the United States at 9 years old.
9/11 inspired her and showed her who she wanted to be.
A protector, a fighter, a friend and community builder.
And so she made it.
To the first precinct.
She took on the toughest blocks in the city of Richmond, VA.
Protecting them, befriending them and serving them.
She’s a force. Fire.
This is her story. Scroll down…
Artist: Jamie Baynes
www.https://dannyandparknovels.com/
I moved from Argentina at just nine years old
Didn’t know English, only el español
I faced violence in my Miami home
ilegal with my mama, sister, nowhere to go
Until those 9/11 heroes on TV
Showed me who I wanted to be
Changed my whole trajectory
With my purpose deep down in my soul
Found a mentor at tae-kwon-do
Suddenly I had a reason to hope
Yeah, I’ve been running, running after my dream
Worked toward the 1st precinct
Found dear friends, a chosen family
But I wouldn’t be who I am today
Without those who have paved the way
Not afraid to go against the grain
Ain’t no glory without the pain
Oh I have walked through many wild scenes
You wouldn’t believe all the things I’ve seen
You might think that I am angry and mean
Until I smile, crack a joke, give you a little tease
Oh I’ve been walking these streets for years
I know your tales, the root of your tears
Some days it’s like looking in the mirror
I’m the one Latina cop in town
I’ve built respect in the toughest place around
These blocks are mine too, our sacred ground
Just when I thought that I could see the light
Mi abuelo who I’d seen once in 14 years, died
There were days when I felt lost and wanted to hide
But I clung to hope and managed to survive
If I can overcome, then you can too
There’s a reason you’re alive
Yeah, so why aren’t you running, running after your dream Working toward every good thing
Finding friends, a chosen family
Oh you wouldn’t be who you are today
Without those who have paved the way
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain
Ain’t no glory without the pain
You’re gonna suffer in this life
But what you choose to do with it
Shows us your true insides
Ain’t no glory without the pain
Credits:
Emily Roig | songwriting, vocals, instruments, engineering/mixing/mastering (basically, everything)