Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Anthony Donaldson.
After years of hard work and determination, Dr. Donaldson refused to speak until the time was right. When asked why he hasn’t spoken in nearly 10 years his reply was simple, “it wasn’t time.” Well, the time has come. Dr. Donaldson’s resume for freedom exceeds his short life. As you may notice in the reflective image depicted above, Dr. Donaldson has come a long way since his poverty-stricken days as a youth. By age 17, Dr. Donaldson moved out of on his own with less than $200 to his name. By age 21, Dr. Donaldson completed three majors, managed political campaigns, and served as one of the youngest enrolling clerks in NC history. By age 22, Dr. Donaldson organized over 50 rallies and marches, registered over 100,000 voters, had the 2nd highest voter-turnout for Obama in NC, and helped free political and wrongfully convicted prisoners around the world. By age 25, Dr. Donaldson taught and coached over 500 at-risk students, launched TENSE Summit which has served over 1,000 youth and provided thousands in scholarship.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the TENSE Summit story. Tell us more about the business.
Last spring, Dr. Donaldson was awarded the Provost dissertation fellowship at Middle Tennessee State University where he taught U.S. History. Dr. Donaldson moved to Tennessee only to learn that his mother was diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. While helping his mom battle cancer, Dr. Donaldson entered the job market, finished his dissertation, and helped his mom publish her life work entitled “This Is Between Us,” @this_is_between_us a story about family and prayer. On May 3, 2019, Dr. Donaldson graduated from the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in History with his mom in attendance after she beat cancer for the second time in ten years. Dr. Donaldson is proud to finish the race but recognized that in honor of Nipsey Hussle, the Marathon continues for black and brown people. Dr. Donaldson lives by one motto “Giving Up Is Not An Option.” Dr. Donaldson accepted a full-time tenure-track position in African American History and will begin this fall. Join us Saturday, August 17, 2019, as our Founder and Director Dr. Donaldson takes center stage for the first time to deliver what will be our greatest moment yet.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been lucky for sure. The statistics don’t lie. Black man, poverty, violent childhood, poor education but yet, I possess a Ph.D., I survived one of the worst environments. If I told you everything I survived, you wouldn’t believe me and even if you did somethings, you had to be there to understand. So, for that reason, I just thank God and live by my motto which is “Giving Up Is Not An Option.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tensesummit.org
- Email: tensesummit@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tensesummit
- Facebook: Tense Summit
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