Sometimes all it takes is one moment — one post, one realization — to change everything.

For Dr. Tanika Long, that moment came during the height of the pandemic.

Scrolling through Facebook, she saw a post celebrating Black history moments from her hometown, Barnesville, Georgia.

Right there, in black and white, was her name — the first and only African American woman from Barnesville to become a physician.

And it hit her: If I didn’t even know that about myself, how would the next little girl know what’s possible?

That spark lit a fire.

It wasn’t enough to have made it out — she had to come back, full circle, and show the next generation how to dream even bigger.

That’s how Full Circle of Hope was born.

More Than Just a Scholarship — It’s a Movement

Launched in 2022, Full Circle of Hope is Dr. Long’s love letter to the town that raised her — and her challenge to every child who’s ever been underestimated.

“We’re teaching kids that no matter where you start, no matter what your circumstances look like, you can still win,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you grew up in the projects or had a teenage mom — your story isn’t over.”

Through scholarships, book drives, financial literacy carnivals, and holiday giving events, FCOH is rewriting the narrative for families in Barnesville and beyond. It’s about more than money — it’s about breaking cycles, planting seeds of hope, and watering them until they bloom.

The Gala That’s Bigger Than a Party

Every year, Full Circle of Hope throws a gala — but this isn’t just another fancy night out. It’s a celebration of impact, growth, and the dreams that are just getting started.

This year, they’re turning up even more.

For the first time, the gala is moving to the metro Atlanta area — Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Georgia.

With a live DJ, surprise guests, a VIP mixer, and 102.9’s very own Vassier Serrano hosting, it’s about to be a night to remember.

But at the heart of it all is purpose: raising money to not only support new scholarship recipients but also bless former recipients with continued scholarships. Because dreams don’t stop after freshman year — and neither should the support.

Why You Should Care — Even If You’ve Never Heard of Barnesville

You don’t have to be from Barnesville to feel the mission.

You just have to believe that every child deserves a shot, no matter their zip code.

“You never know where the next game-changer, the next leader, the next life-saver is coming from,” Dr. Long said. “It could be from a small town like Barnesville. And if we don’t invest in them, who will?”

Want to help? You can sponsor, donate, or grab your ticket at givebutter.com/FCOH2025Gala.

The Message Every Kid Needs to Hear

Before we wrapped our conversation, I asked Dr. Long what she would say to every student she’s reaching through Full Circle of Hope.

Her answer was powerful:

“Don’t let anyone count you out based on where you come from. What they see as weakness — that’s your superpower. Own it. And once you make it, reach back and lift somebody else up too. That’s how we change the world — together.”

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