Empowering Communities Through Storytelling and Advocacy
A Conversation with Kevon Lee
In a powerful and inspiring conversation, Ray Reynosa sat down with motivational speaker Kevon Lee to discuss his journey, his work in empowering marginalized communities, and the challenges he faces as a leader. Kevon’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of sharing one’s voice. Here are the key takeaways from their discussion, enriched with powerful quotes from Kevon himself.
From Adversity to Advocacy: Kevon’s Journey
Kevon Lee’s path to becoming a motivational speaker is rooted in his personal experiences. Growing up with drug-addicted parents, experiencing homelessness, foster care, and bullying, Kevon faced numerous challenges. Yet, it was these very struggles that shaped his purpose. After hearing a motivational speaker in 2019, Kevon realized he could turn his pain into a platform to inspire others. By 2021, he was speaking at events, sharing his story, and empowering youth across the nation.
Kevon’s message is clear: “Your story has power.” He emphasizes that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a way forward. His ability to connect with students, especially those in foster care or experiencing homelessness, stems from his authenticity and relatability. As Kevon puts it, “When they see someone who looks like them, who’s been through what they’ve been through, they realize it’s possible to overcome.”
Challenges in Marginalized Communities
One of the biggest challenges Kevon observes is the lack of resources and awareness in underserved communities. Many schools and organizations struggle to bring students to events where they can hear messages of hope and empowerment. Kevon highlights the importance of reaching these youth, as they often feel isolated and without direction.
He also notes the impact of systemic issues, such as limited access to education and opportunities. For example, only 3% of foster and homeless youth in the U.S. graduate with a four-year degree. Kevon’s work aims to bridge this gap by showing students that their circumstances do not define their future. “Our words have the power to either break somebody or make somebody. I’m choosing my words to make somebody.”
The Power of Storytelling
Kevon’s approach to speaking is deeply personal. He tailors each presentation to his audience, using visuals and anecdotes to make his message resonate. One of the most impactful stories he shares is from his high school years, when he struggled with obesity and bullying. After being called “fat” 107 times in one day, Kevon contemplated suicide. It was his grandmother’s voice calling his name that stopped him, reminding him of his purpose.
This story, among others, connects with students who feel trapped in their circumstances. Kevon’s vulnerability and honesty create a safe space for youth to open up about their own struggles. As he says, “If I can get through it, so can you.” He often tells his audience, “There’s no object on earth that’s hard enough that if you keep going at it, you can’t get through it. Even a diamond, if you go at it long enough, you can cut it.”
Strategies for Long-Term Impact
Kevon understands that short-term inspiration is not enough. To create lasting change, he stays connected with his audience through various initiatives:
– Mentoring Programs: Kevon works with local schools to mentor homeless and foster youth, building long-term relationships.
– Online Communities: He is creating a motivational Discord server and social media groups where students can find ongoing support and encouragement.
– Q&A Sessions: After his speeches, Kevon often hosts workshops where students can ask questions and share their thoughts.
Kevon believes in the importance of being present and engaged. “I make it a point to connect with the students. Before I speak, I’m talking to them. I’m asking their names. Sometimes during a speech, I remember a kid’s name and I’ll say it. Just so they can feel connected with the speech. I’m not just talking at them, but I’m speaking with them.”
Advice for Educators, Parents, and Students
Kevon’s advice is simple yet profound: “Give life 110%, and something good will come of it.” He encourages educators and parents to be fully present for their students and children, emphasizing that consistency and effort can make a world of difference. For students, he reminds them that failure is part of the journey, but giving up is not an option.
“It’s okay to fail. It’s not okay to give up. It’s not okay to stop. It’s not okay to have a dream in your life and not go after it because you are afraid of failure.” Kevon often shares his own journey of weight loss and career struggles to illustrate this point.
“I used to be 300 pounds. Every time I tried to lose weight, I failed. But this one time, I decided I’m not failing no matter what. Over the course of a year, I lost 140 pounds. If I could do that, there’s nothing in your life that you can’t achieve.”
Collaboration and Community Building
Kevon believes in the power of collaboration. He works with other leaders and organizations to amplify his impact, whether through joint events, social media collaborations, or mentorship programs. His dream is to host a conference that brings together local speakers and educators, creating a platform for shared learning and growth.
“I want to have a conference and bring local speakers so I can bring awareness to them too. Educators need to know that there are other people out here that are speakers as well.” Kevon’s collaborative spirit extends to his online presence, where he shares motivational content and connects with his audience regularly. “I have a motivational chat on social media. Every so often, I put in videos and motivational quotes. It’s a way to stay connected with the community.”
Final Thoughts
Kevon Lee’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and community. Through his work, he is not only changing lives but also inspiring others to find their voice and pursue their dreams. As he continues to travel the nation, Kevon’s message remains clear: “No matter where you come from, you have the power to create a brighter future.”
To learn more about Kevon Lee and his work, follow him on social media or reach out through his website. Let’s continue to support leaders like Kevon who are making a difference, one story at a time.
Call to Action:
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available. Reach out to local organizations, mentors, or support groups. Together, we can build a community of hope and empowerment. As Kevon says, “Your purpose might not be to stand on stage and speak in front of thousands, but there’s something in your life that you have to do that nobody else can do.” Let’s find that purpose and make it happen.