Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAndre Pickett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us DeAndre. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to Atlanta in 2002 from a suburb in Ohio. I was one of six black kids in my high school, so moving to Georgia was a clear culture shock. As I was so confused about who I was as a black man, I was clear I wanted to attend an HBCU, so I enrolled at Morehouse College. After leaving school, I also realized that I wanted to make sure I only worked in communities with people/kids that looked like me and make a difference. I served as an educator, administrator and Asst. Superintendent over 14 years. I decided to also run for office in 2014 because I was not satisfied with the representation our kids were receiving in South Fulton, GA. This sparked the beginning of my foundation.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is NEVER a smooth road. During my journey, I experienced multiple fights with cancer, financial struggles, emotional breakdowns, people saying they will support and never do, just to name a few. One of the things I learned was that those experiences truly make you stronger. You learn how to navigate through the detours and some make your paths. There are so many people watching and looking to either see you fall or use you as an example of inspiration. Either way, you must always keep your game face on but also show that you are human.
Please tell us about your organization.
So, founded in 2014, the 4 Brighter Futures Foundation provides support through educational advocacy, promotion of self- sufficiency and personal growth. We are mission is to build stronger communities by fostering a culture of educational attainment and advocacy, promotion of self- sufficiency, becoming good stewards of our community and empowering future generations of change agents. As an organization, we focus on the following areas:
To build a strong literacy program for kids in grades K-5.
Create workshops and seminars that promote self-esteem and empowerment for young adults.
Offer scholarships to individuals interested in attending or returning to college.
Provide mentorship to men (youth, young adults, and seasoned), looking to make positive impacts within their communities and beyond.
To advocate for all marginalized groups who fight for social and political equality.
I have spent the last 14 years advocating for families across GA. What sets me apart from others is that I didn’t just up and decide I wanted to be a change agent. I was one of the kids I advocate for. So many young people find it hard to identify with role models. I just want young black men to look up and feel proud that there is someone who looks like them, making a difference.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Becoming the SGA President of three different schools in my district (8th, 9th and 11th grade). It was the first time that a person of color had ever held a leadership position in the school district.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3620 Piedmont Rd. NE Ste B #4085
Atlanta, GA 30305 - Website: www.4brighterfutures.com
- Phone: 678-237-8937
- Email: info@4brighterfutures.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/4brighterfutures
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/4brighterfutures
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/4brighterfutures
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