Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Lamar Handy.
Hi D. Lamar, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a young boy, I always knew I had a vision and was inspired to be a change agent one day, I just didn’t know how and what that might look like. My story did not start with a big platform or a large team, I started with a heart for people and a vision to make a difference. In 2019, I hosted my first charity event entitled “Christmas in Paris”. The idea of this event was to bring people together to party with a purpose. At this event, we were able to raise $2,000. Benefitting two organizations with $1,000 a piece.
In year 2020, Covid hit and the world shut down, this gave us all the opportunity to reflect and think. In 2022, when the world started to open back up, what I saw in my community was simple but heavy: people were hurting, families were struggling, and too many were going through life without support. I knew something had to change, and I decided I would be part of that change.
In 2022, that vision became The DL Handy Foundation, Inc. built on three pillars — community empowerment, scholarships, and philanthropy — the foundation was created to uplift, educate, and serve. What started as a small idea quickly became a growing movement because the need was real. We brought back the charity event, this year focusing on childhood cancer research, at the time I had a little cousin suffering with leukemia. This was something that wasn’t discussed enough in the community, I researched and found the Rally Foundation of Sandy Springs, GA. After reaching out to them, we partnered and during our 2022 charity gala, we were able to raise over $10,000 towards childhood cancer research.
As we continued our work, something became clear: mental health was one of the greatest unmet needs in our communities. In 2022, I loss a cousin to suicide. This was the moment that reminded me a change was needed. In 2023, we shifted our philanthropic focus to mental health initiatives — creating safe spaces for conversations, funding counseling services, supporting families, and connecting people with real resources. We weren’t just hosting events; we were saving lives, restoring hope, and breaking stigma in the community. At our 2023 charity gala, we raised $8,000 for an organization in my hometown “Friends of Advantage” that helps those in need with mental health resources. Over time we have hosted many panel discussions in Atlanta areas, Athens areas and even took a panel discussion to Charlotte, NC in 2024.
The road hasn’t been easy. There were setbacks, long nights, moments of doubt, and times when it would have been easier to quit. But every story of someone helped, every youth supported, and every family impacted reminded me why I started. Today, I stand here not just as a founder, but as proof that purpose, consistency, and faith can build something bigger than you ever imagined. I didn’t get here alone — I got here because I refused to give up on the people I was called to serve and to be the change agent I want to see.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To say the least, not at all. These can be a challenging road. Some of the struggles encountered has been the call for connections. There were many times when I would reach out to therapists or organizations for partnership on mental health awareness and not receive a follow up or to find the message being left on read. This was very discouraging to say the least, however, I started to pray for divine connections. That’s when I started to meet people who were going in the same direction and working for the change. I learned that many times the right connection always works out. Another struggle has been financial stability as a non-profit, many times we have to work with what is raised and fundraising can be a difficult task to say the least. There has been times when I would use my personal money just to ensure we were able to support community programming. Along with this it can be discouraging when you don’t gain some of the support you would hope. It can have an effect on your spirits and motivation, however I have learned that know matter what to keep pushing. Everything always works out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work full-time as a Senior Financial Analyst at Emory University. I have worked in finance in higher education for about 13 years, along with my work in finance. I am also an adjunct instructor at Atlanta Technical College where I teach Principles of Business. I find great job in helping students learn about the business industry. On weekend, you might find me in my passion of funeral service. I have worked in the industry of funeral service since the age of 14 years, this has been one of my biggest aspirations to become a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, which I’m currently working to accomplish.
I’m known for my hard-work ethic, my love and support of my family and friends and being a man of dedication. I am most proud of my tenacity to never give up on my dreams and going after what I want. Nothing in my life has ever come to me easy, I have always had to put in a little extra work and effort. However, I believe nothing is worth having if you don’t put in the hard work.
My compassion for people, my go-getter attitude, the heart for people and my love for life sets me apart from others. I am one that loves a good time, dancing and great vibes is what I love. I am one who makes the best of every moment and believe, put in the work but also reward yourself and enjoy this one life we have.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I give all credit to my parents for the love, creating me and teaching me the ethic of hard-work. My grandparents for instilling in me that integrity is the key to life and in everything you do, do it with honesty. My uncle Bobby, for his leadership and being such a dynamic role model to me growing up, showing me what being a black successful man looks like. My aunt Cassondra for instilling the importance of education in me and helping to guide me in the right direction in life. My sister for being the best advice giver in the world but also being my best friend and loving her big brother.
My mentors in life who I could never forget; Mrs. Martha Cornish for guiding me back on the path as a 2nd grader when I was one mischievous young boy trying to fit in the crowd. She saw the greatest in me. Mrs. Bettye Hope and Mrs. Josephine Liston for taking me under their wing as a 1st grader when I was truly hurting from the divorce of my parents. However, the help to model me, protect me and saw something in me. Mr. Calvin Johnson, my 6th grade Science teacher who gave me the male/dad role while at school and gave me the real life lessons, teaching me the importance of education. Mrs. Alzena Johnson, who kept me on the straight and narrow, even when I wanted to be “class clown” she ensured I remembered “she was the teacher”, even putting me out of class. However, her tough love, her teaching and grace has played a major impact in my life.
When I look at the success of foundation and motivation, those who are in need keeps me going and the love of supporters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.dlhandyfoundation.org
- Instagram: D.LHandyFoundation
- LinkedIn: The DL Handy Foundation, Inc.
Image Credits
DSI Photography
