Today we’d like to introduce you to De’Angelo Boone.
Hi De’Angelo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, I am the eldest of six children. From an early age, my life was marked by instability and hardship. My mother struggled with alcoholism and drug abuse, and as a child in her care, I faced the daily reality of survival. Whether it was pumping gas, carrying groceries, or collecting bottles and cans just to afford a bus ride to school or buy food, I learned early what it meant to fend for myself.
While some of my siblings were taken in by their fathers’ families, I remained without the presence or support of my own father or his family. My childhood was marked by frequent moves—I attended five different elementary schools by the fifth grade as my mother battled housing insecurity. I also faced bullying, low self-esteem, and traumatic experiences, including being molested, which left deep emotional scars.
My life began to shift when I was taken in by my maternal grandparents, who were both ordained ministers. In their home, I found the stability, love, and faith that had been missing from my life. Their unwavering support, especially from my grandmother, allowed me to focus on my education. Though I still battled depression and suicidal thoughts, I found refuge in my academic pursuits and faith community.
Through resilience and determination, I excelled in high school, earning numerous awards and recognitions. I went on to attend Michigan State University, where I earned two bachelor’s degrees. After graduation, I relocated to Adrian, Michigan, where I balanced working full-time, pursuing graduate studies, and raising my youngest brother and sister. I also mentored a young man who has since become my oldest son in every way that matters.
Despite the continued challenges of limited familial support, I persevered—grounded in my faith, committed to education, and driven by a desire to serve others. My story is one of overcoming adversity, embracing responsibility, and transforming pain into purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my life, I have carried the weight of many hardships—each one shaping me into the person I am today. Growing up, I faced the absence of a father and the painful reality of my mother’s battles with alcoholism and drug addiction. At a young age, I often found myself alone, having to navigate situations that no child should face. I learned early how to survive—pumping gas, carrying groceries, and collecting bottles just to afford bus fare or buy food. Those were not just tasks for me; they were necessities.
Amid this instability, I endured the trauma of being molested—a wound that left deep scars on my self-esteem and self-image. For years, I struggled with depression, fighting through dark moments marked by suicidal thoughts and attempts. Those were seasons of my life where hope seemed distant.
Yet, in the midst of the darkness, there were lights that never let me fully lose my way—my grandparents and my church community. My grandparents, with limited means, did everything they could to support me, teaching me resilience through their sacrifices. My church and faith community offered me a place of refuge and encouragement, where I learned the value of compassion, purpose, and grace.
By high school, I was no stranger to hard work. In addition to my studies, I worked—sometimes as many as 40 hours a week—not just to help support myself, but to create the possibility of a better life, one rooted in dignity, stability, and hope.
My story is not just about the struggles I’ve endured—it’s about the determination to rise above them. It’s a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the strength found in community. I am living proof that, no matter where you start, you can choose to build a future filled with purpose and possibility.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to advancing community development and fostering strong, resilient neighborhoods. My professional journey has been guided by a passion for building programs that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and promote social equity.
As the former Manager of Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, I had the privilege of designing and leading programs that promoted social cohesion, increased social capital, and encouraged active community engagement. In this role, I worked closely with residents and local stakeholders to cultivate a sense of belonging and collective responsibility within neighborhoods.
Currently, I serve as the Coordinator of Education and Programming for ProMedica’s Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise, where I continue my work in developing innovative programs that address educational disparities and community needs. I also work as a consultant for the Align Center for Workforce Development, where I help in the creation of strategies to support workforce readiness and economic mobility.
In addition to my professional roles, I serve as the Senior Pastor of City of Refuge Ministries International and am the Founder and Director of the Meal Assistance Program of Lenawee County—now recognized as one of the largest food assistance programs in the region. My work with the Meal Assistance Program reflects my deep passion for addressing food insecurity and ensuring that every individual has access to nutritious meals.
I am also an active facilitator for the East Adrian Community Coalition and the Fathers of Lenawee—an emerging initiative focused on supporting fathers and families in our community. My advocacy work extends to mentoring young men who are in need of guidance, encouragement, and life skills development.
As Chairperson of Hunger Free Lenawee, I work alongside local food pantries and agencies to advance hunger relief efforts across Lenawee County. I am honored to serve on several community boards and committees, where I continue to champion causes related to food security, neighborhood revitalization, and economic empowerment.
At the heart of all I do is a steadfast dedication to uplifting communities and advancing meaningful change through collaboration, compassion, and action.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always open to connecting with individuals, organizations, and community partners who are passionate about making a positive impact. Whether you’re interested in collaborating on community projects, volunteering, or offering financial support to the nonprofit initiatives I’m involved with, your support is both welcomed and appreciated.
The best way to reach me is by email at deangelo.boone@icloud.com. You can also find me on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn—simply search for my name, De’Angelo Boone.
I am grateful for every act of support—whether it comes through your time, resources, or even words of encouragement. Together, we can continue building stronger communities and advancing the causes that matter most.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deangelo.boone.5
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deangelo-boone-6b256418/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BooneDeAngelo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deangeloboone1519
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@deangeloboone1
