ANTHONY'S STORY.
In 2011, Anthony took the first step onto a path that would lead him to a life dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and encouraging others. It was in the pulpit where he delivered his very first sermon, and that’s when he discovered his unique gift – the gift of encouragement, inspiration, transparency, and motivation. Little did he know, this gift would shape his life’s purpose in the most profound way.
Shortly after, life took Anthony down a different path as he stepped into a leadership role within the non-profit sector. He became the executive director of the Youth Violence Prevention Network, a mission-driven organization focused on finding solutions to curb violence, especially gun violence, and engage with the victims of such tragedies. Anthony found himself speaking at candlelight vigils and even facilitating funerals for young lives lost to violence. Time and time again, he was called upon to provide that encouraging word, to inspire hope amidst despair.
Yet, Anthony’s calling extended far beyond the pulpit or these solemn occasions. In 2015, he embarked on a new journey, one of public speaking and inspiring people to make positive changes. It was as if he had discovered true love and destiny – something much larger than himself. He didn’t just walk into it; he embraced it wholeheartedly, driven by a deep desire to serve and empower those who lacked courage, confidence, or a voice.
​
With his very first public speech on gun violence and bridge-building, Anthony knew he had found his path. Opportunities to speak at rallies, funerals, candlelight vigils, and gun violence panels started pouring in. What made this experience even more remarkable was that Anthony was not alone on that stage. He shared the platform with a diverse group of individuals, each with their own powerful stories to tell.
One of those remarkable figures was Rev. Sharon Risher, who tragically lost her dear mother, Mrs. Ethel Lee Lance, in the Charleston, SC, tragedy at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of eight other people, including two of Sharon’s cousins and a childhood friend. The tragedy was a premeditated act of violence orchestrated by a white supremacist.
Anthony had a powerful story to tell, a story of surviving the harsh realities of street life. At just 16, he faced the chilling experience of a gun being pointed at the back of his head, a trigger pulled four times but never fired. Then, at 18, he stood at point-blank range and miraculously escaped unharmed. It was in these moments that the true meaning of the phrase “the weapon formed but did not prosper” became evident.
Anthony firmly believes that leveraging one’s unique gifts is the key to success. He’s dedicated to motivating, inspiring, and encouraging people to embrace their talents, allowing them to create opportunities and make room for their dreams.
​
Anthony’s story is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination. It’s a story that exemplifies the power of transformation and the incredible impact one person can have when they choose to share their gifts with the world.
Determined to make a difference, Anthony founded his own non-profit organization, with a focus on aiding underserved and underprivileged individuals, primarily within the black community and other people of color. He assembled a dynamic team and developed programs aimed at helping families facing hardship and guiding children toward success academically, personally, and professionally.
​
But Anthony’s mission didn’t stop there. His own experiences in the education system, where he felt overlooked and unsupported, drove him to consult with educators. He understood the critical importance of providing students with the attention and resources they needed to thrive.
He stepped into classrooms, teaching values, principles, character, and integrity from kindergarten to twelfth grade. He became a mentor, offering guidance and support to those in need. And now, he’s ready to share his story with the world. More importantly, he’s on a mission to empower others to tell their stories without shame or guilt, to overcome internal obstacles, and to transform their losses into advantages.