Alumnus Athony Daniels, jr. has annouced candidacy for Alabama state senate

Alabama A&M Alumnus, Anthony Daniels, jr. announced his candidacy for the Alabama State Senate District 7 seat. Daniels is apart of the new breed of progressive politicians that are focused fundamental American family values: affordable education, improved communities through economic development for all people, and quality affordable accessible health care. For greater detail see www.electanthonydaniels.com.

MEET the CANDIDATE

Anthony was born in Bartow, Florida. Shortly after, his parents decided to take him to live with his maternal grandparents in Midway, Alabama. Anthony’s parents were confident that his grandparents could take better care of him until they were able to do so. Although they did not have much money, they provided him with a strong foundation of values, morals, etiquette, faith, and a hard work ethic. Anthony experienced tough love and hardships as he grew up transitioning between Midway, Alabama with his grandparents, aunts and uncles to Florida with his biological parents. Not withstanding, in an unstable environment, Anthony was able to find peace and confidence in order to strive for his best potential in every arena of his life. Anthony took out student loans to pay for tuition and other related expenses at Alabama A& M University. While attending college, he demonstrated leadership qualities on the local, state, and national levels.

Anthony became acclimated to citizens throughout the nation while traveling to inform college students about critical educational issues. . Anthony’s supreme leadership capabilities landed him an elected position as the National Education Association’s Student Program Chairman, where he represented over 62,000 student members enrolled on over 1100 colleges and universities. Anthony continues to be an advocate for education. He continues to speak to the youth and young adults around the country in order to positively influence them in identifying their strengths and talents and reach their highest potential. Anthony is dedicated to being a committed public servant. Therefore as a public servant, Anthony pledges to lead by emphasizing the importance and benefits of Education, Health Care, the Economy, and Transportation.

EARLY YEARS


He was raised in Midway, Alabama by his grandparents, the late Willie Mae and Willie James Dubose, who previously spent years toiling under conditions of humiliation and oppression on the Sehoy plantation in Guerryton, Alabama. After the death of Willie Mae Dubose, Anthony’s Uncle Dubose became his legal guardian in Alabama. Throughout his young life, traveled back and forth form Alabama to Florida. By the time he finished high school, he resided in six different households with family members who took turns providing for him.


Anthony’s parents, Anthony Lee Daniels and Gertrude Daniels tried hard to provide a stable home for him in Florida, but his heart was in Alabama. He always found his way back to Alabama. During his high school years, Anthony was taken in by Gregory Terrence Graves, who Anthony considers a surrogate father, brother, mentor, and best friend. Gregory taught Anthony skills and values he had never learned elsewhere. It was Gregory Graves who taught Anthony the value of a higher education, which remains a top priority among his core values today.


THE COLLEGE YEARS


The impact of Greg’s inspirational lectures reflectived in Anthony’s high academic achievements and although Greg was proud of all Anthony had achieved in college, he wanted to ensure that Anthony continued to prosper. Therefore, Greg continued to provide moral and financial support. While in college, Anthony also remembered the spiritual values that his grandmother had taught him and as a result, he decided that he would spent the remainder of his life serving others. While attending Alabama A&M University, he became an organizer within the Student Alabama Education Association, which inspired him get more involved in the National Education Association, which eventually landed him various elected positions. During his matriculation at Alabama A & M University, Anthony has been very active in many community service projects as well as serving as a leader and organizer of various campus events. Much of his time and efforts have been spent mentoring and tutoring the youth, and educating them about the importance of being involved in community service.


In May of 2004, Anthony graduated from Alabama A&M University, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Anthony is currently finishing his Master’s Degree in Special Education at Alabama A&M University. Upon completion of his Master’s Degree, Anthony plans to continue his education by pursuing a degree in law.

CAREER

In 2003, Anthony was elected the first vice president for the local Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA); in 2004 he was elected as 2nd vice president. During his term as president, Anthony played an instrumental role in increasing enrollment within the SAEA. In 2004, Anthony was elected to serve on the NEA-SP Resolutions Committee. In 2005, he was elected State and local President of SAEA. Anthony has been the feature, and keynote speaker at various conferences and community events throughout the United States, including the Future Teachers of America State Conference in Auburn, AL in April 2006 and the Madison County Grass Roots Retreat at Alabama A&M University in November 2005. Additionally in 2006, Anthony was appointed the National Accreditation of Teacher Education Standards Committee as well as University Accreditation Board.

In June 2006, Anthony was the first African American Male ever to be elected as the chairperson of the National Education Association Student Program, representing more than 62,000 college students on over 1100 campuses nationwide. He has been recognized as a leading voice on the issue of college access and affordability. He has spoken at various hearings and audiences to address this issue that impacts millions of students nationwide. As a result of his leadership and the collaboration of various organizations, the largest invest for higher education since the GI Bill, which is the “College Cost and Reduction Act” was passed last year.

During his tenure as Chairman of the National Education Association Student Program, Anthony has been instrumental in the following: increasing the membership within the student program to its highest ever, championing the issue of making college affordable, emphasizing the importance of activism among students, pioneering political awareness among the student members, delivering and exhibiting quality workshops to enhance quality teaching to aspiring educators, unifying and organizing young people through vested interests within and beyond the realm of the student program, and increasing visibility by building coalitions and increasing Partnerships.


Anthony has also been a guest on numerous nationally syndicated radio programs, television broadcasts, and has been featured in various magazines discussing the topic of college affordability and mobilizing youth to action. Furthermore, Anthony has worked on local, State and national campaigns in various capacities. His Memoir titled, To Sweeten Alabama: A Story of a Young Man Defying the Odds, will be released in January 2009.
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Source: 12/22/08 LeftAlabama.com