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T. Michael Watson
T. Michael Watson, a name that resonates with the vibrant spirit of resilience and redemption, was born in the heart of Utica, NY. From the very beginning, his life was shaped by the unique circumstances that surrounded him. As the sixth of seven children, he was lovingly embraced by his siblings, who were affectionately known as the "get-along gang." However, fate had a different plan in store for young Michael.
At a tender age, Michael found himself thrust into the role of the man of the house. Life's challenges demanded that he shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years. With his mother, Muriel Banks, as the sole provider for their family of eight, Michael faced a daunting reality. But within the confines of their humble home, Muriel showered her children with boundless love and imbued them with a steadfast faith in God's teachings. She sought to shield them from the hardships that awaited them beyond their sanctuary's walls.
Yet, in the face of limited resources and scarce opportunities, the streets beckoned to Michael, promising a semblance of support. In a desperate attempt to secure a livelihood, he embarked on a treacherous path, becoming a novice in the world of drug dealing. This choice, however, plunged Michael into a downward spiral that tested his very soul. The years that followed were marked by regrettable actions and harrowing experiences, leaving scars that would take time to heal. But within the depths of his being, the flicker of divine truth still burned—a testament to the power of God's boundless love and forgiveness.
With God's grace as his guiding light, Michael sought redemption and rededicated his life to Christ. Empowered by his own transformative journey, he shouldered the noble responsibility of giving back to communities that mirrored the environment he had known all too well. As a black man with a story that resonated deeply with others, Michael focused his energy on enriching the lives of young adults who longed for a better future. Since 2016, he has served as a Youth Pastor, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration. His unwavering dedication earned him the prestigious title of Firecode's "Making a Difference" Youth Leader of the Year in 2018, and Church of God In Christ's "Most Influential Under 40" in 2020.
Michael's keen insight led him to realize that while parents in poverty-stricken communities received essential resources like food, shelter, and clothing, the mental well-being of their children often remained neglected. Driven by an unyielding determination, he sought to provide an alternative outlet—a sanctuary where every child could freely express themselves, receive mentorship, tutoring, and life skills necessary for success. It was in 2016, inspired by the profound guidance and mentorship he received at the Cosmopolitan Community Center, under the stewardship of James Blackshear, that the seeds of the Dare To Be Different (DTBD) youth mentoring program were sown.
Michael's story is one of redemption—a living testament to the power of resilience and personal growth. Through his own experiences, he became a relatable figure for generations past, present, and future. His advocacy for DTBD leaves an indelible imprint on the lives it touches. Michael Watson, a man who has witnessed the depths of despair and emerged triumphant, is a guiding force in his community—a living testament to the fact that every soul has the capacity for transformation and the power to inspire others to " Dare To Be Different " because that's Where Change Begins .
Tedra Carter
Tedra S. Carter was born and raised right here in Atlanta, Georgia. She spent most of her childhood in the middle of Atlanta and one of its many impoverished neighborhoods. Being surrounded by tons of influential people, both good and bad, she always felt conflicted and dealt with emotional management issues. Anger, a huge obstacle, led to her having momentary lapses of judgment when making decisions about her future. Through a church community, she was signed up for courses which included a summer long course of anger management. It was there that she learned the importance of being present and accountable for one's own decisions. She learned to shift the focus of her anger and put it into more productive activities.
Although attending a low-income school did not allow many opportunities for her to explore and branch out from the norm, she made do with what she had and persevered through non- ideal circumstances. She joined several clubs and sports teams to decrease the amount of time she spent around those pushing her to do wrong. In a science club, she met a woman, later to become her mentor, that provided her with the will power and strength to strive to be different. She was able to believe in her worth, and with hard work, graduated both high school and college, a task uncommon for her environment. It was then she made the decision to become a mentor.
She wants to be a voice a student going through the same struggles she faced can rely on. She strives to push her mentees who feel stuck and powerless to overcome societal adversity and believe that they are in complete control of their futures once they put a foot forward in making the effort. From personal experience, she knows that effort is the first step towards a better future and a strong support system is the next. Her mantra is “Do good, be great, and keep moving forward,” and it is through DTBD that she plans to execute a mentorship that will change lives.
Runeshia Parker
Runeshia Parker was born in Birmingham, AL. Most of her Alabama life was spent in the middle of poverty. She was the oldest of three girls and felt the added pressure of responsibility at such a young age. Known as one of the most troubled students, her reputation preceded her as she moved from grade to grade, and because of this, she was put out of several classes. Her home life became constantly plagued with phone calls.
At the age of 13, she moved to Georgia with her family. The change in environment prompted her to want to change her behavior. She wanted the chance to be viewed in a different light by her peers. It was in that environment she met several positive role models who she viewed as mentors unbeknownst to them. They made a powerful impact on her life that pushed her to want to make positive decisions. She became motivated to work hard toward goals she started setting for herself. Though it was tough, scary, and challenging, graduating high school and college became two of her greatest accomplishments.
Today, she aspires to give her mentees a voice and encourage them to overcome economic hardship and their biggest foe: themselves. She knows from personal experience that having someone in your corner rooting for you, giving you an encouraging hug, and the strength to look toward the future is incomparable. DTBD will help her shape lives through mentoring.