Christine Longmore Hughes
Christine Longmore (also known as Christine Longmore Hughes or Kemp-Longmore) is a prominent community figure in Burlington, Vermont, known for her work in employment, reentry services with VABIR, and criminal justice reform, serving on various committees for fairness, diversity, and substance use disorder advocacy, including directing the Richard Kemp Center and involvement with the Burlington Police Commission. She is a strong voice for individuals with barriers to employment and victims of the opioid crisis, advocating for policy changes and support systems.
Interview Summary
Breaking Barriers: One Woman's Journey of Hope and Community Service
In the heart of Vermont, Christine Longmore Hughes stands as a powerful example of how personal experiences can shape a lifelong commitment to justice and community support. Born in 1965, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Christine's life story is a testament to overcoming societal barriers and making a difference.
Growing up as the youngest of six children, Christine was raised by parents who defied the odds. Her mother was white, and her father was Black - a combination that was illegal in many parts of the United States when they first married. This bold act of love became a foundational lesson in challenging unfair systems.
From a young age, Christine learned to speak up against injustice. In high school, she confronted a disturbing tradition called "slave day," where students were symbolically "sold" and made to serve others. Despite being a teenager, she gathered her friends and approached school leadership to explain why the event was deeply offensive and wrong.
This early experience of standing up for what's right became a blueprint for Christine's entire career. She dedicated her professional life to helping people facing significant challenges - working with youth, supporting individuals with disabilities, and assisting people returning from incarceration to find meaningful employment.
Today, Christine leads the Richard Kemp Center, a community space named after her father. The center focuses on supporting Black and Brown families, offering summer programs and creating a welcoming environment for community members.
Her advice to young people is potent: trust your heart, maintain hope, and believe you can achieve anything you imagine. Inspired by heroes like Muhammad Ali and Shirley Chisholm, Christine continues to break down barriers and create opportunities for others.
"You can do anything you can imagine," she tells young people, her words a beacon of encouragement for future generations committed to creating positive change.
Christine's story reminds us that one person's courage and compassion can create ripples of transformation in their community.