Hidden Gems: Meet Anthony Lee Jr of SouthOfHeaven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Lee Jr.

Hi Anthony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello everyone, my name is Anthony Lee Jr.

I’m a poet, author, activist, and proud father. I’ve been playing football since I was five years old, and I even had the opportunity to play semi-professional football in Arizona before returning home.

Life hasn’t always been easy—I’ve faced homelessness, the heartbreaking loss of my father, and many trials and tribulations along the way. But through it all, I hold tightly to my faith.

Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

From that faith, I started SouthSideOfHeaven, a business and movement dedicated to helping mothers and children in need. We’ve handed out turkeys, prepared and served meals to the homeless, and provided Christmas gifts to families who needed some light during dark times.

This summer, we’re planning a Family Day—a community event full of food, fun, and togetherness. There’ll be bounce houses, snow cones, and activities for all ages. This event is a collaboration with Ciera Creations and AshleyCae.

I also dream of opening a nonprofit for kids battling cancer. Inspired by my own sister’s journey, I want to create a space where children with cancer can find joy, share strength, and uplift each other through their stories.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life doesn’t always offer a gentle path. Mine has been paved with loss, uncertainty, and pain—but also strength, grit, and the kind of hope that refuses to die.

There was a time when I didn’t have a roof over my head. Homelessness stripped me of comfort and stability, but it also taught me the true meaning of perseverance. I learned how to keep going when everything around me said to give up.

Then came the loss that shattered me: my father passed away. Grieving someone so close is like trying to breathe underwater. He was my anchor, my guide. Losing him felt like losing a piece of myself. But I carried his memory with me, letting his strength become my own.

Just when I thought I might be able to catch my breath, life threw another blow—my sister was diagnosed with cancer. Watching someone you love fight for their life is a different kind of heartbreak. It puts everything into perspective. It teaches you how precious time is, how fierce love can be, and how important it is to hold on to hope, even when the odds are unclear.

Each of these moments could have broken me. But they didn’t.

Instead, they became chapters in my story—one of survival, resilience, and relentless determination. I’m still standing. Still dreaming. Still fighting.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started SouthSideOfHeaven, a business and movement dedicated to helping mothers and children in need. We’ve handed out turkeys, prepared and served meals to the homeless, and provided Christmas gifts to families who needed some light during dark times.

This summer, we’re planning a Family Day—a community event full of food, fun, and togetherness. There’ll be bounce houses, snow cones, and activities for all ages. This event is a collaboration with Ciera Creations and AshleyCae.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Flint, Michigan has a gritty resilience that’s honestly admirable. What stands out most is the strong sense of community—despite everything the city has faced, the people there keep pushing forward. The local art and music scenes are amazing.

What’s toughest about Flint is the long-standing struggles with infrastructure and public trust—especially the water crisis, which really exposed deeper systemic issues. There’s still a lot of work to do in terms of economic recovery, public health, and rebuilding that trust between residents and leadership. Some neighborhoods have been hit hard by blight and disinvestment too, which makes it harder for folks to feel safe or hopeful at times.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Genesisthepoet