Daily Inspiration: Meet Anthony Strickland II

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Strickland II. 

Hi Anthony, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My journey started when I decided to start using my 9-5 to find my purpose. I worked at multiple group homes for young boys in Detroit who were caught in the system by no fault of their own. That turned into me becoming a life skills teacher at the Juvenile detention facility in Downtown Detroit. Interacting with this demographic on a daily basis is what inspired me to find ways to influence and encourage the youth before they have to be put into these placement facilities. My Godbrother and I came up with an idea to start a mentoring program called DEFY (Determined Exceptional Fearless Youth) based in Detroit and Ypsilanti Mi specifically to provide exposure and different experiences in underserved communities. My passion for sports and music have forced me into starting a basketball academy in Ypsilanti and producing my first solo EP as Big Strick called F Clout. F Clout represents the mentality of doing things intentionally and not for attention. In this era of social media, our youth are so heavily influenced by what they see on their computer and phone screens that sometimes it’s hard to separate themselves from what’s being pushed on them via social media. Seeing is believing especially for this generation of adults and children so hopefully seeing the success of someone going against the grain inspires more to find their own purpose. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have had friends, family, investors tell me that I couldn’t get very far going down the path I have chosen, but that in itself was really a confirmation because I had freedom to be honest with myself without any pressure. My intentions stayed pure with my goal and now some of those same people have been inspired to try a non-traditional route in finding what makes them happy instead of what makes financial or societal sense. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One thing that sets me apart from other artists is the authenticity and alignment of reality and entertainment. My Instagram page is not a promotion page, it’s more of a story and journey of me doing positive things in my neighborhood and putting my energy in these music spaces gaining respect and genuine connections with people. I think that will attract the people who are looking for a direction as much as the clout-chasing gimmicks that exist as the alternative. 

Pricing:

• $40 F Clout Hoodie
• $40 DEFY Program Hoodie

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigstrickhwv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigstrickhwv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigStrickHWV/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp2sDCkZfrB8F1Al-_Nq54w
• SoundCloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/107n1dp6kWG9uipkyqYppQ
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/big-strick/1546031681

Image Credits
LXVE Media Photography
Wimm House Studios
Rowan Minor