“As a City of Memphis police officer, I visit schools and see a lot of intelligent, capable young people who just haven’t had the right guidance. As a result, their self-esteem is low, and they end up doing crazy stuff. I try to help them see that there are other avenues open to them, other routes to take, and that they need to study hard, focus, and not limit themselves. Not long ago, after a talk at a school, a young man approached me and asked me to be his mentor. I was honored, was glad to do it, and I’ve seen a lot of growth in him in a short time. We need other adults to step up and mentor these kids. I've seen too many people become successful and then leave and forget where they came from. Instead, they need to reach back, grab the next person’s hand, and help them learn what it takes to make it in the world, so that they can then reach back for the person after them. It can spread; it can give hope. And Memphis needs hope.
“One way I try to offer hope is by using the gifts God has given me. I majored in art at TSU, have been a martial arts instructor for over 20 years, and am an avid photographer. Teaching and mentoring in these areas allows me to help young people develop self-discipline, integrity, and perseverance. My mom and dad raised me never to quit. If I started something, I always had to finish it. That's an important lesson for kids to learn, and I want to pass it along.
“Someday I’d like to open a studio and do more with my own photography, as well as offer classes in photography, dance, art, and the martial arts. A setting like that would provide kids with options other than getting into trouble and would be a way for them to develop their creativity. When the gym’s closed, today’s kids don’t know what to do with themselves. They need to learn how to use their imaginations. I want to help them see that there’s a big world out there.”
“One way I try to offer hope is by using the gifts God has given me. I majored in art at TSU, have been a martial arts instructor for over 20 years, and am an avid photographer. Teaching and mentoring in these areas allows me to help young people develop self-discipline, integrity, and perseverance. My mom and dad raised me never to quit. If I started something, I always had to finish it. That's an important lesson for kids to learn, and I want to pass it along.
“Someday I’d like to open a studio and do more with my own photography, as well as offer classes in photography, dance, art, and the martial arts. A setting like that would provide kids with options other than getting into trouble and would be a way for them to develop their creativity. When the gym’s closed, today’s kids don’t know what to do with themselves. They need to learn how to use their imaginations. I want to help them see that there’s a big world out there.”
Tony Franklin, police officer, photographer, martial arts instructor, personal trainer.
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- Instagram: TonyModelo
- Capoeira Memphis (Martial Arts)
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