Curtis was first photographed in June 2020, as part of the second phase of the Essential series—people who were community focused. His role was Director of Operations for The Well CDC, a community development corporation devoted to creating shared neighborhood prosperity through housing, economic development and placemaking initiatives.
“In my role, I was responsible for employee wellbeing and operations at The Well,” he said. “During the pandemic, I was studying and revising policy procedure. I was visiting the Summit County Public Health website daily. I had to suspend some employment. We were just trying to survive. It certainly made me anxious, but I understood the responsibility that was necessary.”
Curtis has a devotion to volunteerism and service to Akron, which was all put on hold or reconfigured as a direct result of the pandemic. He was named President of the Akron Urban League Young Professionals in the beginning of 2020 and held that position for 2 years. “I had just gotten started in this role and then the shutdown happened,” he said. "We had to change expectations, and change entire plans for the program. We couldn’t collaborate in person and had to interact through a different medium (video meetings). It was certainly disappointing because we started the year so strong—visibility, programming, we were executing at such a high level. I can’t say I finished strong, but I finished, nonetheless. If nothing else, I think legacy matters. The program is still thriving.”
In February of 2023, Curtis decided to leave The Well and take a year to do freelance consulting, focused on Black-led and grassroots nonprofit organizations. “The pandemic produced a lot of self awareness. The isolation forced people to reconcile with themselves. I decided it was time for me to move on to the next chapter. I was a part of something incredibly special at The Well. I look back on that time and can see that we grew something together. The people and programs I was directly responsible for have thrived in my absence. It’s a gift and I am grateful.”
Curtis started a job as Senior Fellow, Communities of Practice + Convenings of The People’s Practice at ThirdSpace Action Lab in March of 2024. “I staff the field-building efforts in our community development project, The People’s Practice. This is a unique opportunity to join a place-based, racial equity learning and design lab as part of an important national effort; contributing primarily to the national summit and regional action planning strategy and execution.”
For Curtis, much of his reflection is about transition and grief. “Transitions were swift across the board,” he said. "Policy and procedures, interactions with people, commitment with service to Akron. Grief isn’t always defined as loss, though I did experience a major loss in my life in the fall of 2020. Dr. Diana Swoope was a pastor, mentor, and a very prominent voice in my life. Every time I had to make a life decision, I would ask her to breakfast, AKA "consultation." Her spirit shows up in more ways than one. I’m always glad to celebrate her and say her name often.
I was brought up in the Black church where hymns hold significant value. Many of which have not left my mind. One of my favorites is "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand," which simply says, "Time is filled with swift transition." The pandemic taught me this one thing above all else.”
June, 2020