We had the good fortune of connecting with Gerald Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gerald, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m the product of a Mom who dropped out of High School at 10th grade because she was pregnant. The son of a Westside gang bang leader who was killed & left to drown in his own blood. I’m the grandchild of Grandmother who birthed 14 children, 36 grandchildren, countless great-grandchildren yet the 1st male in my family to graduate college. You see those are my truths. I’m a 30 year old funny shaped head boy from the Westside of Chicago who works really hard to be a shining example for others, especially my younger cousins. I learned early on through my dedication to school the importance of hard work and dedication. Your work ethic says to the world that you understand the laws of nature and the process of bringing something to life. In the words of Frank Ocean, “work hard in silence and let success be your noise”. A strong work ethic can open doors for you. It allows other people to see the power of your character. You never know what type of opportunity that other people might want to offer you because of the work they’ve seen you produce somewhere else. It is your street credibility. With all of that being said regarding my background and upbringing, I’ve learned what I regard as the greatest truth and it is that your gifts and dreams don’t have to look like anyone’s else’s. But you need to know your gifts and have your own dreams. There is nothing that you cannot do. The more creative you think, the more critically you think, the more information you learn all equip you to be able to live on purpose.  

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Since 2013, The GDT PR Agency has worked with emerging artists and luxury brands, corporations, beauty brands, non-profits, and high profile individuals to help them achieve their strategic public relations and communications objectives across a broad range of interests. Our professional areas include Event Planning, Beauty, Entertainment, Health & Wellness, and social impact. We distinguish ourselves by being result driven, innovative, and resourceful. We work hard, fight fair and deliver each and every time. On a personal note, I have worked/freelance for a number of successful brands and entities and have been a part of some game changing deals. In May 2015 I was recognized by Examiner for paving a pathway to success for young Black men, ranked by LinkedIn as one of the Top 50 Public Relations Professionals in 2016, awarded Arkansas Best Entrepreneur 2018 and most recently awarded the 2020 Annie Abrams Community Service Award at the prestigious King Kennedy Awards. All of these things have added valued to the business, and allows us to continue to do great work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Food & Drinks -High Note -Six Feet Under -Atlantis Restaurant & Lounge -CRU Urban Lounge -TEN ATL – Lenox Square -Little Five Points Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family, Philander Smith College, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, Almeta Ellis, Dr. Rhonda Lovelace, Sericia Cole, Rev. Ronnie Miller- Yow, My church; Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, my High school English teacher, Joy Evans. My college adviser & English professor Dr. Lia Steele, & the entire Westside of Chicago

Website: www.thegdtproject.com
Instagram: TheGDTProject
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geralddthomas/
Twitter: TheGDTProject

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