Our Roots.
Our Story.
It is the strength of the roots that determine the strength and vitality of a tree. At Roots Strong, we believe that our roots are reminders of where we come from. We believe that at the roots of all sustainable change in the world is our youth. Inspired by the upbringing and rich heritage of her parents in Jamaica, founder Lyndsay Archer established Roots Strong in 2015 in hopes of empowering youth and their communities through advancing access to necessary resources that are imperative to the development of children. Roots Strong is dedicated to improving access to quality education, mentoring, literacy advancement, and community empowerment. The emphasis on establishing sustainable institutions through which our youth can be nurtured and cultivated is important to the mission of the organization. Hope for a brighter future depends on the strength of our roots, our youth. Our work centers children, their well-being, their voices, and their futures. Our work was birthed out of the places that have shaped us: Jamaica and Detroit. Our focus on literacy, increasing access to books, and building libraries continues to be the mainstay of what we do and is the foundation that guides how we continue to advocate for our communities.
Roots Strong is a registered not-for-profit corporation in the state of Michigan and a registered U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Lyndsay! Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about Roots Strong, what and who we stand for, and the work we do. I founded Roots Strong when I was just 17 years old - shaped by the upbringing and stories of my Jamaican parents that have guided how I try to show up as an advocate in this world. I take great pride in my roots: Detroit and Jamaica and they are at the heart of all that I do. From building libraries and computer labs in rural Jamaica to creating literacy programming for youth in Detroit. I carry these special places with me in everything I do.
I am currently a first-year pediatric resident physician and I am also the author of a children’s book entitled “Fly, Doctor, Fly!”. I feel so blessed that my work both in and outside of the hospital revolves around the well-being of children. If you would like to learn more about me, please feel free to visit my website here.
Who We Are.
Our Mission.
Roots Strong is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering our communities from the roots up. We are committed to serving youth both locally and globally by leading transformative and sustainable outreach projects centered on education, literacy, health, and special projects that are specific to the communities we serve.
Our Vision.
The work that we do within our communities is incredibly important to us in ensuring that every child is advocated for, seen, heard, and afforded access to resources for their empowerment. Our vision is to contribute to cultivating generations of young people who are passionate about continuing the legacy of returning to their communities and building them from the roots up, making them Roots Strong.
Our People.
Here at Roots Strong, our roots run deep. Based in Detroit, Michigan, our organization was birthed in the grassroots and continues to serve in the grassroots. From Jamaica to Detroit and all across the Caribbean islands, where we serve matters deeply to us.