Today we’d like to introduce you to Grady DeMarcus (GD) Holland.
Grady DeMarcus, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Organization founded in June 2017 while working at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. In hopes of creating a community-based organization that redirects the energy and trajectory of our youth.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Lol…The formation and vision/mission of the organization was the easy part. With me working outside of the Continental United States it’s been difficult finding funding to sustain the vision to date… all funding for the organization has been an out of pocket expenses/gift to further the vision of Founder/CEO. I have a dedicated support system in my Chief Operating Officer – Elizabeth Wallace and my Chief Financial Officer – Orlando Perry and of course my Advisory Council which has an additional five active members.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are The Destination Manhood Collective Inc. Founded in hopes of inspiring and Mentoring At-Risk Youth to Strive for Greatness in the face of Adversity. Our Youth face Systemic Oppression and essentially a school to prison pipeline that needs to be addressed by providing positive reinforcement and tangible options that create a sense of hope and a desire to succeed on there “Destination to Manhood.”
What were you like growing up?
I coincidentally was an At-Risk Youth…I grew up in Decatur, Georgia and Attended Redan High School before serving time beginning at age 15 For my involvement with an Atlanta Based Gang Called Down By Law. After my release… The Crack Epidemic was in full swing and I decided to nurture my entrepreneurial spirit by choosing a career as a “Dopeboy”. Which led to another conviction and the turning point in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.destinationmanhoodcollective.org
- Phone: 4702054560
- Email: TheDMC501c3@gmail.com
- Instagram: @DMC501c3
- Facebook: The Destination Manhood Collective
- Twitter: The Destination Manhood Collective
- Yelp: The Destination Manhood Collective
- Other: The Destination Manhood Collective
Image Credit:
Kenyon Ramon James – For Goodlook Photography Studios
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Chitoka Light
February 27, 2019 at 11:09 am
I think this is a great mission. It is definitely well needed. It is my hope and prayer that this initiative has great success in transforming lives. Kudos to you Mr. Grady D. Holland and Destination Manhood. Salute to Voyage AtTL for recognizing and shinning a light on those doing great things in our communities.