Meet Anthony Wilson.
TGS ATL MEMBER SINCE 2021
Meet Anthony Wilson.
| Anthony is a revolutionary, aspiring polyglot, avid dancer, embarrassing uncle, baby whisperer, bird watcher, reluctant writer, extrovert in denial, pretend bartender, native Comptonian, and a reckless backpacker. In 2021, Anthony launched Equity in Education, Atlanta’s first 501c4 advocacy organization dedicated to recruiting, training and supporting anti-racist leaders to be elected for school board. In its first year, the organization supported 7 of 9 candidates (won 5), raised over $1M, secured endorsements of its policy platform by city council members, and developed relationships with key stakeholder groups across the city. It centered and elevated the plight of the water boys and the work of HEY! to ensure that the most vulnerable children receive everything they need from community systems to truly inherit the wealth of the city. Equity in Education is building a student, teacher and parent power through policy (i.e. enfranchising high schoolers to vote for school board, and wraparound services), developing a pipeline of community leaders to run for public office, and organizing people who have been neglected by the political elite and economic establishment. Anthony’s organization joins a chorus of advocates and stands on the shoulders of giants’ giants who have risked everything to get kids and families what they need; seeking to continue that legacy to exact justice for, and cede power to children. |
GET TO KNOW ANTHONY.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TGS?
I know for a fact that Kes, RJ, Ashley, or Cousin Wilson are going to greet me with a smile when I enter The Gathering Spot, and that Lark, Ms. India, Eric, Russell and Aries are going to ensure that I have a fantastic dining experience. When TGS gathers, I know the events are going to be executed with excellence by the team. I can count on creating deep, instant friendships with strangers at the bar or out on the patio. When I bring guests to TGS, I know they feel that flex.
My favorite thing about TGS is that it is the best community I have ever had the pleasure of joining. It has been a profound and gratuitous blessing on my entire life here in Atlanta. Shout out to Ryan and TK!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was born and raised in Compton, CA. Growing up, I wanted to be a minister because my pastor was such a prolific, poised, learned, no-nonsense and cultured community man who changed lives through service in my beloved city. Now, I want to live at the nexus of Malcolm X and Jesus Christ.
What’s one hidden skill or talent that you possess that people might not know?
I am a creative writer and nonfiction storyteller who wrote a book that I am too afraid to publish.
what motivates you?
Everything. I believe that everyone and everything has intrinsic and divine value, and I search people’s eyes for joy. I know deeply how it feels to be alone, unwanted and unloved – joyless, directionless, poor, etc. I have found that joy has been my hope and future. So, I seek to find and give joy daily, whether through dance, watching squirrels in my backyard, laughing at babies, or smiling at TGS members. I am motivated to build space for joy with everyone, everywhere, all the time.
You can connect with Anthony at edequityatl.org.