Black College Today Jan./Feb. Issue Features Troy Gathers
Here is the exact article from page 7..Just in case you can't get your hands on one
Story By: Erica Prioleau
SCSU Review Lead Writer/Director of University Relations and Marketing
"Not everyman can be famous, but everyman can be great!" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“When I first read those words from a memorial wall, I was touched,” Gathers said. “In life, sometimes all we can hold on to is words and a belief that they will manifest”. “Growing up, all I could do was dream”.
These words continuously push Troy Gathers towards his dream to strive for excellence. Currently Troy is a Graduating Senior at South Carolina State University, the C.E.O. of Sixteen Seventy, B.E. Y.O.U., and a member of BlackSpeakers.Net. When I asked Troy to explain his childhood and how it has played a role in his future, Troy said, “The pain from my past has prepared me for my future”. “In college though, I found that I was very different”. “After describing what I had been through, I began to think welfare, Section 8 and ghettos were foreign words to college students. I saw that while we were of the same race, we did not share in the same struggles,” Gathers commented. The young entrepreneur said that he began to see his purpose for his upbringing; “I have the voice to help people grow through trials.” “As a member of BlackSpeakers.Net, I have the resources to reach people far and near with my message”, he says joyfully. “Age plays a major role in how the younger audience responds. I have spoken to groups ranging from age eight to eighteen. Since I am a 23-year old male, the closeness in age captures the audience and it is possible to hold their attention throughout the entire speech,” Gathers said. “Knowing that the speaker went through a similar situation less than ten years ago allows the audience to leave with a sense that there is a way to overcome their present adversities.”
By the time Troy reached seventeen years old, he had attended seven different schools and lived in six different neighborhoods. To escape the everyday troubles of society, Troy focused on success. Despite the constant moving Gathers still managed to join in high school NJROTC, the newspaper staff, and the F.B.L.A. to name a few. “Because of the constant moving,” Gathers said,” I spent a lot of time wishing for stability and praying for strength. Throughout my life I remained positive and knew that if I continued on this path I would be successful,” Given my life experiences, I am able to communicate and relate to the younger generation.”
Once Gathers got settled at South Carolina State University he finally got a chance to show one body of students what he was capable of achieving. At South Carolina State University Gathers formed Intramural Sporting teams, served as the vice president of freshman dormitory, joined the Young Democrats, SGA, S.I.F.E, wrote/directed two short films with students and made the grades for The National Deans List. Gathers credits his focus at SCSU to his mother, faculty and staff that assured his faith and head was always high. “Even in college people doubt you and try to bring you down, but I have special people that focused me on the big picture”.
Most importantly in college Gathers formed two inspiring businesses, Sixteen Seventy and B.E. Y.O.U. Sixteen Seventy is a Clothing Line that points a spot light on American History via Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is home to Americas first Library, Museum, Theater, Opera, Golf Country Club, and so much more. Sixteen Seventy is South Carolinas first Clothing Line to receive national recognition and be viewed by millions on national television. (106 and Park) B.E. Y.O.U. is an Educational Lecture Program for the youth to promote success in their lives. BlackSpeakers.Net of Los Angeles, CA is the world's largest directory for black speakers and handles bookings for Troy Gathers. Troy is also the host of the radio show B.E. Y.OU. which airs on WSSB 90.3FM. The show is all about empowering the black community and commending those that do just that. On the show Gathers has interviewed such people as Norma T. Hollis, S. Renee Smith, Frantz St. Louis and Randy Roper to name a few. In all of Gathers endeavors he keeps God first and only expects great things for his future.
For More on Troy Gathers visit:
www.sixteenseventy.com
www.blackspeakers.net
Story By: Erica Prioleau
SCSU Review Lead Writer/Director of University Relations and Marketing
"Not everyman can be famous, but everyman can be great!" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“When I first read those words from a memorial wall, I was touched,” Gathers said. “In life, sometimes all we can hold on to is words and a belief that they will manifest”. “Growing up, all I could do was dream”.
These words continuously push Troy Gathers towards his dream to strive for excellence. Currently Troy is a Graduating Senior at South Carolina State University, the C.E.O. of Sixteen Seventy, B.E. Y.O.U., and a member of BlackSpeakers.Net. When I asked Troy to explain his childhood and how it has played a role in his future, Troy said, “The pain from my past has prepared me for my future”. “In college though, I found that I was very different”. “After describing what I had been through, I began to think welfare, Section 8 and ghettos were foreign words to college students. I saw that while we were of the same race, we did not share in the same struggles,” Gathers commented. The young entrepreneur said that he began to see his purpose for his upbringing; “I have the voice to help people grow through trials.” “As a member of BlackSpeakers.Net, I have the resources to reach people far and near with my message”, he says joyfully. “Age plays a major role in how the younger audience responds. I have spoken to groups ranging from age eight to eighteen. Since I am a 23-year old male, the closeness in age captures the audience and it is possible to hold their attention throughout the entire speech,” Gathers said. “Knowing that the speaker went through a similar situation less than ten years ago allows the audience to leave with a sense that there is a way to overcome their present adversities.”
By the time Troy reached seventeen years old, he had attended seven different schools and lived in six different neighborhoods. To escape the everyday troubles of society, Troy focused on success. Despite the constant moving Gathers still managed to join in high school NJROTC, the newspaper staff, and the F.B.L.A. to name a few. “Because of the constant moving,” Gathers said,” I spent a lot of time wishing for stability and praying for strength. Throughout my life I remained positive and knew that if I continued on this path I would be successful,” Given my life experiences, I am able to communicate and relate to the younger generation.”
Once Gathers got settled at South Carolina State University he finally got a chance to show one body of students what he was capable of achieving. At South Carolina State University Gathers formed Intramural Sporting teams, served as the vice president of freshman dormitory, joined the Young Democrats, SGA, S.I.F.E, wrote/directed two short films with students and made the grades for The National Deans List. Gathers credits his focus at SCSU to his mother, faculty and staff that assured his faith and head was always high. “Even in college people doubt you and try to bring you down, but I have special people that focused me on the big picture”.
Most importantly in college Gathers formed two inspiring businesses, Sixteen Seventy and B.E. Y.O.U. Sixteen Seventy is a Clothing Line that points a spot light on American History via Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is home to Americas first Library, Museum, Theater, Opera, Golf Country Club, and so much more. Sixteen Seventy is South Carolinas first Clothing Line to receive national recognition and be viewed by millions on national television. (106 and Park) B.E. Y.O.U. is an Educational Lecture Program for the youth to promote success in their lives. BlackSpeakers.Net of Los Angeles, CA is the world's largest directory for black speakers and handles bookings for Troy Gathers. Troy is also the host of the radio show B.E. Y.OU. which airs on WSSB 90.3FM. The show is all about empowering the black community and commending those that do just that. On the show Gathers has interviewed such people as Norma T. Hollis, S. Renee Smith, Frantz St. Louis and Randy Roper to name a few. In all of Gathers endeavors he keeps God first and only expects great things for his future.
For More on Troy Gathers visit:
www.sixteenseventy.com
www.blackspeakers.net
Great to see a fellow member making headlines! Thanx for putting it out there.