From giving away turkeys on Thanksgiving to breaking up disputes amongst Brooklyn’s youth, Anthony Mabry is an example of dedication, hard work and community. As a lifelong Fort Greene resident, his organization Amending and Transitioning Lives (ATL) prioritizes giving back to the community and empowering Brooklyn through toy drives, helping people secure employment, and aiding anyone who needs help.

After being incarcerated at 16, Mr. Mabry realized how important it was to bring back the love in the community. He devoted himself towards his mission of uplifting his community, working with youth to solve altercations, emphasizing the harms of gun violence, and working with teens who may be misled or pressured. Mr. Mabry talks about the effectiveness of communication and using your voice to connect. After finding a voice through music, he began to rent out studios where he collaborated with his community to get people away from the violence and into mediums where they can connect.

Overall, Mr. Mabry’s dedication to his community is what makes him a hero. Through working through the present and healing the trauma of the past he is shaping a better and more united future for Fort Greene.