Darius Nix, the founder and executive director of Friends in the City Foundation, has 14 years of educating students from early childhood to high school. He has made a deliberate choice to effect change in the world by impacting the lives of children directly through education, thus creating a brighter future. We spoke to Nix about who he is and why he is so passionate about FITC.
Tell us about yourself.
I was born Darius Yorel Nix to teenage parents in the early ’80s. During the first part of my childhood I grew up in Chicago’s projects called “The Abla Homes”, until the late 80’s. I am a product of Chicago Public Schools, I attended and graduated from Kenwood Academy High School. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University and My MBA in education management leadership from Keller Graduate School-DeVry University.
I have had a passion for young people from a very young age, starting at the age 16 I was the Youth President of my church. From there I realized that I had a calling to a cause greater than self. It was not until my early 20’s, after I dabbled in the music industry, that I realized education and the empowerment of young people was my calling. I have been educatiing, mentoring and developing childn/youth professionally for 13 years. I am currently an Impact Manager for City Year Chicago, I manage the impact of two chicago public schools in the north lawndale area, where we decrease the drop out rate with early interventions fom 4th thru 9th grades. It doesn’t stop there for me! I am also founder and executive director of Friends in the City Foundation.
What is FITC?
FITC is a not-for-profit organization that has a passion for the development of our global community. We pledge to empower, embrace and enhance that community through charitable works and gifts to the poverty infused portion of our global community. Our short-term goal during year one includes: providing college scholarships and assistance to individuals with financial constraints. We will also pilot our Beauty Boot Camp and Rights of Passage Extreme programs in Chicago Public Schools. Our long-term goal includes providing multi-tiered assistance through our TEACH ASSIST PROGRAM to public schools nationwide.
Why are you so passionate about the youth?
Dr. King had a dream. Every day that I encounter a young person I see that dream, and I believe more in that dream. Our youth hold the key to the future. As I interact with the youth, I hear someone that’s intelligent, resilient and powerful. I am passionate about our youth because they truly are the answer to a better future.
Tell us about the gala you have coming up.
[On] Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, FITCF will host the first Dream Gala with keynote speaker, Author Erika Mccall. All proceeds from the gala will fund the 2016 scholarships and programs. We will feature live entertainment from Chicago’s top rated artist and an amazing meal in the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel.
What words of encouragement do you have for our readers?
I encourage our world community to fight against the other “C,” cynicism. The first thing we must do is embrace the idea that we can change the world, by rejecting cynicism. The Civil Rights Movement and the Obama campaign began with the assumption that change is possible. In your life’s walk, display an act of courage and belief in the power of young people. Challenge cynicism in your community!
Learn more about FITC by visiting the link https://www.fitcfoundation.org/what-we-do-bedford
