Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwayne Stewart.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dwayne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Change Makers Academy is a community-driven empowerment platform that uses social issues as its catalyst. The program began in June 2016 with G’s to Gents, a summer alternative for boys of color encouraging a transition from a “gangster mentality” to a gentleman’s paradigm. G’s to Gents infuses concepts of professionalism and entrepreneurship, simultaneously keeping boys of color off the streets and out of trouble during the summer. This initiative gained support from the Broward Sheriff’s office demystifying police interactions and the Trayon Martin Foundation highlights the “remarkability” of black and brown boys.
To develop effective global citizens, Change Makers also hosted supply drives for two separate relief efforts to Port Au Prince, Haiti. On each visit, the students served orphanages and local communities providing goods and supplies. Using our strong network of difference-makers, we then developed an annual study abroad that takes boys of color to different regions of Africa to explored concepts of race, ethnicity and identity. The overall goal of Change Makers Academy is to create continuous programming with lasting effects in the lives of those who participate under the mantra: “Change Starts Here!”
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?
Change Makers Academy has no public funding. Each initiative is a boot on the ground, grassroots, fundraising effort. From Haiti to West Africa, our students attend free of cost and that takes a lot of sacrifices.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
The organization embraces a hybrid approach in reaching its audience, embracing both virtual and face-to-face methods to inspiring and igniting social change. I am most proud of our “skoolie”. This is our most recent wraparound effort and it included the acquisition and conversion of a forty-foot school bus (skoolie). This bus was built-out completely by aspiring trade students in a Title 1 school and now serves as a mobile library, distributing high-interest text at local parks and initiatives. The “skoolie” will soon offer tutoring and collaboration sessions with students and thought-leaders to address issues specific to underserved populations and encourage the greater good. This bus sets us apart from others as we built it from scratch and raised 100% of the funds ourselves.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was highly extroverted. I was very talkative and friendly. I was most comfortable in large groups and excited about the faith, family and community. My interests included singing, traveling, fashion and cars. Not much has changed. The things that used to excite me have now become my passions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.changemakersacademy.com
- Email: changemakersacademy@gmail.com
- Instagram: @changemakersacademy
- Facebook: Change Makers Academy
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