Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones is a celebrated and honored Chicago-based author, talk-show host and motivational speaker. He is the author of the book, "Everyone Has a Story...This Is Mine", and is currently the host of the Chicago talk show, "Everyone Has a Story".
Born and raised in the most dangerous area of Chicago. His grandparents and mother were his only strong support and influence. However, this did not stop him making bad choices from early on. Instead of college, he chose the street life. Fast money, living life on the edge and gang activities, led him to getting shot four times and ending up in the wheelchair.
Serving his time under harsh and difficult living conditions, he learned that life is very precious with a much higher meaning. Understanding how his former life not only got him to where he is now along with the impact it had on his family and the pain he caused not only to himself but to others, he realized he needed to change. He started to understand that his life lessons can turn into something much bigger and powerful - the ability to make a difference in other young people's lives with similar lives. Not only did he find his calling and meaning what life gave him to deal with and why he ended up in the wheelchair, he was on a mission to change the world.
The road to success was not easy. The past years were hard and filled with obstacles and difficulties. Now a successful author and public speaker, Marcus inspires others to overcome life's challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles hurdles. Marcus has become a role model speaking at Chicago youth organizations, high schools, and special youth groups on the importance issues regarding gang violence, education, self-esteem and family.
Marcus is very passionate and focused about life and educating others through his personal experience and knowledge. Street life may be about money, cars, clothes, and jewelry, but that no longer exists - he has changed inside and out. He is now living a life that has a meaning and a future. Knowing that life is so precious and delicate and it can be gone or changed in a blink of an eye, he is more than ever dedicated to help the Chicago youths in the low-income and gang invested areas to help them achieve a future. But Marcus does not stop there. He wants to reach further and deeper into the heart of America and its gang roots. He is ready to take his message on the road. His mission is simple; he wants everyone to accept others for who they are not the possessions, looks and power they have. To live life with no prejudice, bias, or hate.
In his spare time, Marcus not only volunteers for many non profits, but he has a passion for reading and attending cultural social events. His newest venture is his television show which is aired bi-weekly on CAN-TV and currently in talks to bring the show on national television. He has interviewed many celebrities from politics, sports and entertainment. Marcus is on his way to being a household name.
Never stopping, he is working on his second book which focuses on support and guidelines from "walking to the chair" - a guide to help the patient, family and friends on making the transition easy and understandable.
