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

Hi Antonio, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Speakout INC, was I never intended for things to go the way they have, I’m still amazed at how things have fell in place. It’s like you wake up one day with and ideal to support others in the community through a facebook group and it has turn into an full movement. The goal was to create a space for other to Speak out about things that matter to them or they struggled talking about with others. I knew this was a need but didn’t realize at the time how big of a need this was to the black LGBTQ community. It’s like overnight we went from a facebook group to An full Operating Nonprofit with contracts in multiple states, Mentorship program etc..

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well I’m currently service as the Founder & Executive Director of my organization, Our mission is to educate, support and connect the LGBTQ+ community of color through social media engagement, mentorship, personal empowerment and health awareness.” I’m most proud the growth this organization has made. we went for only operating it Washington, DC to Texas, Georgia & North Carolina. I believe I have gotten where i am today business wise by being Intelligent enough to understand that I know nothing and smart enough to surround myself with people who understands the business and can guild me in finding my own voice in this business. I over came challenges by writing down the goals and constantly reminding myself of those goals as well as understanding challenges that I’m faces at the moment were Temporary. I have come to believe there’s also more than one way to meet your goal in business., and that was has set me apart for anyone who has walked the same path of starting a organization

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many spot in Atlanta that I love to frequent. let’s say Friday night I would start with Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar in college Park The food and drink are great. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is always an go to stop stop for first time visit and can also make for a great date night., One of my favorite Soul Food spot in Atlanta would be Mary Mac’s Tea room. If I could eat there every day I would. We would most defiantly make a stop at Slutty Vegan, I don’t think anyone I know personally has ever had anything bad to say about them. Saturday night SKT steak ( when they have the live DJ) is always a good turn up Before the weekend is over I simply walk-though piedmont park after Sunday Brunch at 10th & Piedmont . The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to recognizing all the member of Speakout INC for there continuous Support and dedication to our mission across the country.

Website: SpeakoutUSA.org

Instagram: Kingdriver_

Twitter: SpeakoutAntonio

Facebook: Antonio Driver

Youtube: SpeakoutWithAntonio

Image Credits
Keilan Scott

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