The College of Business at Missouri State University (MSU) boasts many influential alumni whose contributions have positively impacted industries and communities across the country and abroad. Among them stands Tony Gunn, Jr., whose journey from the north side of St. Louis to becoming the first African American male to receive MSU’s Bears of Distinction Outstanding Young Alumni Award reflects resilience, ambition, and a commitment to inspire others.
Gunn’s story begins in St. Louis, where he grew up facing numerous challenges, including an abusive household and the pressure of becoming a father in eighth grade. Despite these hardships, Gunn excelled academically and pursued his passion for writing from a young age, penning his first book in eighth grade.
In high school, Gunn studied aerospace dynamics and mass multimedia at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy. His perspective shifted again when he had a child, which spurred his interest in youth mentoring. The death of his aunt during his teenage years left four cousins virtually parentless, prompting Gunn and his family to step in and help. This experience influenced his decision to stay close to St. Louis, turning down academic scholarships in Oregon to support his family.
Attending MSU
At MSU, Gunn’s academic journey was diverse and ambitious. Initially considering a career in veterinary science due to his love for animals, he ultimately pursued his passion for writing and technology. Gunn earned three bachelor’s degrees: Computer Information Systems in 2018, I.T. Infrastructure in 2019, and Business Analysis in 2020. He also served on the student diversity council, sharing ideas with MSU President Clif Smart, and he found time to write and enjoy recreational activities.
In 2019, Gunn met former President Barack Obama, an encounter that led to his participation in a young leadership equity training through the Obama Foundation. Inspired, Gunn founded Project You Belong (PYB), a nonprofit initiative aimed at empowering boys and young men of color by instilling confidence and resilience through discussions on mental health and literary engagement. PYB has partnered with the ACTION Center/The Heart Church in Springfield to address gun safety and youth violence.
“My long-term goals for Project You Belong are to continue to work with nonprofits, businesses, schools, and organizations to reduce youth violence, mental pressures on our youth, and the stigma about addressing mental health. I want to continue to release great adult card games with a wide range of topics and collaborate with businesses, celebs, and influencers to maximize reach. I want to be prepared for what’s coming next. I want to be teachable, prepared, and creative,” says Gunn.
Corporate America and entrepreneurship
Gunn’s commitment to his community extends beyond his nonprofit work. As a technical solution analyst at Oracle Corporation, he provides technical support to hospitals worldwide. Additionally, he owns two businesses: Shot Call’a Games LLC, which designs and distributes card games for adults, and Not A Statistic Enterprises (NASE), which collaborates with PYB and MNS Consulting to develop mental health awareness products for youth. Their first product, “WTW: A Mental Health Awareness Deck for Youth,” facilitates healthy conversations about mental health with young people.
Gunn believes that race and socioeconomic status play a role in minorities’ ability to raise funds, get education and training, and the ability to take good risks because they’re often in “survival mode.” He believes simple changes could help, like inclusive financial practices, mentorship programs, accessible education, and supportive policies. These steps would create a fair environment for diverse business success, without assuming everyone has the same basic business knowledge.
Recognized for his achievements
Gunn’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. Reflecting on this honor, Gunn said, “Being the first African American male to receive a Bears of Distinction award is surreal. As I shared the stage with such decorated alumni, including two phenomenal African American women who also received awards, I got to learn about all the great work MSU alumni are doing around the world. To be included in that helped me realize I’m out in the community doing incredible work too.”
Tony Gunn, Jr.’s journey from adversity to recognition is a testament to his resilience, ambition, and dedication to empowering others. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and support, one can overcome obstacles and make a significant impact on the world.
By Samuel Knox,
UniteNews Staff Writer
Excerpts of this story were taken from the article, Empowering communities through nonprofit work and entrepreneurship. May 8, 2024 by Shania Dedigama, Missouri State University
