Ty Speaks Life was birthed when I started writing poetry… As the youngest of three, my mother told me that she tried to abort me… but because of purpose, God spared my life… I didn’t find out until she thought I was mature enough to handle the news… I lost my stepfather at 7, biological father at 10, and my grandfather at 16… It was tough losing them all, but by God’s grace, I stayed out of trouble and finished High School.

When I went to college, I dropped out. My mentor told me that someone in my future needs me to finish what I started. It was about the principle, not the degree, so I eventually went back. When I did, I was chosen to open up for MLK III with an original poem. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts, and a Master’s Degree in Education.

I’ve worked for Non-Profits such as the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, and Operation Hope Inc.(CEO John Hope Bryant) Today I speak at schools, churches, conferences, youth centers and camps. I do a little acting as well…. I’m not a pro, but I have family members who are. My late elder cousin(Grandmother’s Nephew) Art Evans(RIP 2024) was an actor for over 40 years(Die Hard 2, A Soldier’s Story, A Different World, etc.) Also Reggie Ballard aka “Bruh Man” from the 5th floor who was on the hit 90’s show MARTIN. They would always encourage me to audition… and see what happens. I eventually did… and was chosen for the main role in a comedy play hosted by a non-profit(Theatre-To-Go)organization. We would perform for the elderly in North/NW Atlanta. It was an experience…lol. Since then, I have been in Feature Films shown in Theatres, on Amazon Prime, and on Peacock.

As an Empowerment Speaker I enjoy influencing influencers by speaking to the L.E.A.D.E.R. inside of them no matter their race, color, or creed.

I thank God for the grace to be able to persevere through all the ups and downs in this class called LIFE. Im still learning…

What sets me apart? Even though everyone has a story… they don’t have my story. I got the scars and the experience to relate to people. I’ve had my share of highs, lows, success, failures, been hospitalized and faced death a few times. I know the joy of being hired and the embarrassment of being fired. I know what it’s like to mop floors and I know what it’s like to work at a desk on the 40th floor.

My message to the youth...

You’ve already WON in life… just start NOW! You’ll experience wins and losses but keep going and growing… it’s about the journey more than the destination.

People will try to mimic, mock, and steal from you, but they’ll never have your fingerprint…. You’re literally an Original… not a replica!

Don’t be ashamed of the dirt on you, discover the Diamond that’s in you… you’re Valuable!

You’re already RICH because GOD created you to IMPACT lives. Just like an Apple Tree was once an apple seed… A Pro was once an amateur… you’re time is coming!

You may be PLANTED(hidden), but endure the PROCESS(seasons of change) and when you blossom/mature, you’ll be PICKED!!!

Stay humble, stay hungry… your best win is your NEXT ONE! “GO OCCUPY ALL LIFE ZONES” -@tyspeakslife