I have so much respect for this guy, just seeing him talk, his life, his aura, leaves a tear in his eye. Born into a hard life things got worse, yet he fought through, he pushed and now has run back into the fire, going head first into the problem to try and help other at-risk youth change and get out of their bad situations.

So who is he and what is he doing?

Semaj Clark is a young man, just 19, who started FIRE, which stands for FOREGIVENESS, INTROSPECTION, RESPECT, EDUCATION. You can learn more in the video below.

He is also trying to study and he needs to raise funds, which he is doing via GoFundMe here. Below are the words from the page.

My name is Semaj Clark. Growing up I was dealt a bad hand. I was born to a teenage drug addict who was a prostitute in a housing project in Watts, CA. I never knew my father. I was abused in foster care where I spent my childhood. I dropped out of high school at 14 years old and ran with hoodlums, compiling a long rap sheet that began with an arrest for burglary, which led to me cycling in and out of detention centers for petty crimes. I came close to losing my life via gunfire at age 14, which made me think about my future.

I joined a young black male empowerment group, which helped me build self-confidence. Through my involvement with this organization, I found myself around positive mentors and role models for the first time. I became a youth advocate and community organizer and had the opportunity to speak to educators, legislators, and community leaders.

On October 9, 2015, I was invited to Savannah Georgia from Los Angeles California to speak at a Juvenile Justice Forum on “Community Safety.” After the event, a couple of teenagers attempted to rob me. As I started to run, I was shot 3 times, two bullets hit my arm and one to th hit my spine which left me paralyzed from my chest down.

I have overcome the physical and emotional challenges of my current condition to move forward. I recently enrolled at Armstrong State University in Savannah where I am majoring in Law and Society and Communication. I hope to intensify my anti-violence advocacy through various multi-media outlets. One way in which I have attempted to do this is by starting the program F.I.R.E., which stands for Forgiveness Introspection Respect and Education.

I decided to come back to the place where I was shot (Savannah) because I believe that it is important to run to the fire instead of away from it. I am currently seeking help for 3 things:

1) Help purchasing a new wheelchair because the one I currently have is broken
2) Help with tuition costs because I am a currently enrolled as an out-of- state student
3) Help with medical supplies and expenses.

Thank you for your generous support!
SemajClark.com
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