Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronald C Lee Jr.
Ronald C Lee Jr was born and raised on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood Neighborhood. Drugs violence and The Gang life ultimately captured the innocence of his youth and pitted him in the fire that has burned so many dreams and destroyed families. He fell in love with the pace of the hustle. The allure of the streets were so enticing. He turned his back on his dreams, family, and friends for the love of the “Gang” and that changed life as he knew it. He started a vicious cycle of drugs, lies, and deceit. “I didn’t know me I wasn’t the person that I was raised and created to be.”
On November 17, 2008 at the young age of 17, he was charged with three counts of aggravated armed robbery and eventually plead guilty taking a plea deal for ten years. In the midst of his prison bid, he became an avid reader and writer. He was released from prison on March 4, 2013 on good behavior.
Upon his release, the pull of the streets were still too strong for him to resist. About Four months after his release he prayed for relief asking God for guidance and a sign, the next day he went to jail for Aggravated unlawful use of a firearm and was shipped to NRC holding facility inside of Statesville prison and the only thing inside of that cell was the Holy Bible. This was my turning point, his defining moment. His spiritual awakening. And the moment he gained the confidence to be his self making a conscious decision to never go back to a life of crime. He made a promise to show the world that your past doesn’t define you.
On July 16, 2015 he came home on a mission to be empower the streets and be positive image for his Seven younger siblings to look up to. He found employment and started Fly Money his first Clothing line and business within the first two months of his release. His continued pursuit of peace and happiness started to get the attention of friends and family who expressed to him how much his actions Motivated them to feel better and pursue their dreams. That inspired him start telling his story via social media and social events which lead to his first speaking engagement at Chicago’s Kennedy King community college in May of 2016. Since then, he has spoke at many different high schools, colleges, churches, community centers, Juvenile detention centers, and conferences throughout the country motivating and inspiring teens and adults through the words of his personal testimony.
Today Mr. Lee lives in Houston, Texas with his Fiancé and beautiful daughter. He is the founder and President of Motivational Artist Inc a Houston and Chicago based nonprofit organization that educates and empowers young adults in underprivileged communities on the power and importance of financial literacy, personal development, and entrepreneurship.
Has it been a smooth road?
Prison, gangs, poverty and ignorance were some of my biggest struggles.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
What makes me proud and sets me apart is my unconditional love for the growth and development of my family and community. I’ve dedicated my life to educating and empowering my people. I’m known for my community engagement and positive influence in some of the most violent and underserved communities across the country.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is fertile ground for any business or movement to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ronaldcleejr.com
- Phone: 312-792-4896
- Email: ronaldleejr1990@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Ronaldcleejr
Image Credit:
STL Film Company
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
