Meet Marcus Boyd | Autism Global Activist Marcus Boyd

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcus Boyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Marcus Boyd’s journey, marked by being non-verbal until his teens, enduring abuse, navigating the foster care system, and overcoming homelessness, provides him with a unique and compelling perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with autism. His ability to articulate these experiences and the lessons learned resonates deeply with the autism community, families, and the wider public.

As an autistic individual who has directly faced significant adversity, his voice carries inherent credibility and allows him to connect with others on a profound level.

His personal narrative of struggle and triumph offers hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of understanding and solidarity.

By openly sharing his story, he actively works to dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding autism, advocating for acceptance, inclusion, and the recognition of the potential of autistic individuals.

His experiences fuel a strong passion and clear mission to advocate for better rights, laws, and opportunities for the autism community, driving his tireless efforts.

While other factors such as mentorship, a supportive network, and the strategic use of various platforms contribute to his reach and impact, it is the foundation of his personal journey and the compelling way he shares it that serves as the core of his success and the strength of his brand as a global autism activist. He doesn’t just speak about autism; he lives it and uses his voice to create meaningful change.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I am most proud of and excited about is having found my voice and being able to use it to advocate for the millions of voiceless individuals with autism around the world. Receiving awards like the Distinguished Humanitarian Award and the Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award are incredible honors that show the work and dedication matter, but the true excitement comes from seeing the impact of sharing my story and fighting for real change, opportunities, and acceptance for the autism community. I’m also excited about the future and the possibility of a world where autism is fully understood, accepted, and supported.

My journey to becoming a global autism activist wasn’t a conventional business path. It really began almost eight years ago when a childhood friend, whose son has severe autism, asked me to share my testimony at her church. At the time, I was focused on my music career and didn’t immediately see myself as a public speaker, especially about having autism. However, that moment of sharing my story and seeing the impact it had on others, particularly those connected to autism, was a turning point. I realized my personal experience could be a powerful tool for change and that it was bigger than just me; it was about being a voice for those who couldn’t be heard. This was the catalyst that shifted my focus towards advocacy. While I still have entrepreneurial endeavors like my clothing and shoe lines and my music, they are now intertwined with my brand and mission for autism acceptance.

No, it has definitely not been easy. My life before advocacy was filled with significant challenges, including abuse, being in foster care and group homes, experiencing homelessness, and constantly facing judgment and misunderstanding due to my autism. Even as I began advocating, I’ve faced difficulties, including cyberbullying, which has taken a significant mental toll. The world isn’t always accommodating to neurodivergent experiences, and there’s a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding autism that I constantly work to dismantle.

I’ve overcome these challenges through perseverance, faith, and the support of key people in my life, like my grandmother who saw past my autism and encouraged my potential, and my wife, who has taught me the power of prayer in facing negativity. My past struggles, while horrific at times, also fueled my passion and gave me a unique perspective and determination to fight for a better reality for others. I’ve learned to build networks of allies and continuously educate others, creating spaces for dialogue and inclusion.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous and deeply personal. I’ve learned the invaluable importance of family and true friends – having a supportive “village” is priceless. I’ve learned that there will always be obstacles, and you cannot give up when faced with them; you have to keep pushing forward. I’ve also learned the significance of self-motivation and believing in yourself, even when others doubt you. My journey has taught me that my voice matters and that I should never let anyone silence me.

What I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story is that I am a man with autism who is proudly using his lived experience to bring about real change. I want people to see that autism is a spectrum, and individuals with autism are not all the same, but we all deserve acceptance, understanding, and opportunities. We are not broken; we are brilliant minds with something valuable to offer the world. My brand and my story are about resilience, using your unique experiences as a strength, and fighting for a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone, regardless of their differences. I want to change the narrative around autism and show that with the right support and accommodations, autistic people can lead fulfilling and independent lives and achieve great things.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and Historic Downtown Exploration: After arrival, Marcus might take his friend to explore the historic downtown area. This could include a walk along the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals, which depict the city’s history, offering a visually engaging introduction. They could also visit the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum, which provides fascinating insights into the vital role of the river. A casual dinner at a local downtown restaurant would cap off the day.

Day 2: Vicksburg National Military Park: A significant portion of a visit to Vicksburg would involve the Vicksburg National Military Park. Marcus could guide his friend through the park, sharing the history of the Siege of Vicksburg and its impact. This could involve driving the tour road, visiting key monuments and the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum.

Day 3: Museums and Local Culture: Vicksburg has several interesting museums. Depending on their interests, they could visit the Old Court House Museum for a broad look at local history, the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum to see where Coca-Cola was first bottled, or the Vicksburg Civil War Museum. Marcus might also introduce his friend to local art by visiting galleries like the Attic Gallery.

Day 4: Southern Charm and Architecture: Vicksburg is known for its historic homes. Marcus could take his friend on a tour of one or more of the notable mansions open to the public, such as Anchuca Historic Mansion or the McRaven Tour Home, perhaps even opting for a historical or “haunted” tour depending on their preference. A stroll through some of the historic neighborhoods would offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

Day 5: Community Connection or Relaxation: Marcus might involve his friend in a local event related to his activism if there is one scheduled, or perhaps introduce them to members of the Vicksburg community involved in areas of interest. Alternatively, they could opt for a more relaxed day, perhaps spending time by the river or exploring local shops.

Day 6: Day Trip or Outdoor Activity: If they desired a change of scenery, a short day trip to a nearby natural area or point of interest could be an option. Alternatively, they could explore outdoor activities in the Vicksburg area, such as walking trails within the military park or enjoying the views from spots like Fort Hill.
* Day 7: Departure: Before departing, a final

7: Departure: Before departing, a final Vicksburg meal at a favorite local spot would be a fitting end to the week.

Considering Marcus Boyd’s Activism:

While the itinerary focuses on general Vicksburg attractions, it’s possible that Marcus might incorporate aspects of his autism activism into the visit. This could involve:

* Discussing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the places they visit.

* Potentially meeting with local individuals or groups connected to his advocacy work, if appropriate and pre-arranged.
* Sharing his personal story and insights into the autistic experience while exploring the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tracy bumpers
Jessica cupples
Knowledge Quotes
Blue Music Management
Manisha Holiday
The Holiday firm
Stoney Love
Malakai Daniel Boyd
John McClung Jr
Tiffany Henderson
Justin King Henderson
Darryl Henderson
Samuel Randle
Gary Sinatra
Tony Rodriguez
Dorothy Carr
Mary Boyd
Bob Ordner
Robert Simmons
Kris Coleman and the whole We Are 1 Family
Zach Servis
Howard Sanders 11 Mr Hey Hey Hey
AJ Wells
Elevate Church
Vicksburg Mississippi
Brooklyn NY
Atlanta Georgia

Website: https://autism-activist-marcus-boyd.ueniweb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/share/_tYNWTXv6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15b956L3ZQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
All photos was taken by Marcus Leonardo Boyd