Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2022 Black History Makers of Alabama supported by Sealy Furniture Outlet, Twelve25 Sports Bar & Entertainment Venue, and Red Oak Credit Union.

The Yellowhammer State is filled with great African American leaders from the past, present, and future. We thank our West Alabama community partners, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter for their continued support.

Donnie Lee Jr. is a Black History Maker of Alabama

Former University of Alabama Wide Receiver Donnie Lee Jr. is doing his part to make a difference in his community.

In his senior year at Alabama, Lee Jr. tore his ACL, went thru a series of depression, and got arrested. As a result, he was kicked off the football team.

Lee Jr. is currently using that experience as a way to not only learn from his mistakes but to teach from his mistakes to ensure the next generation doesn’t repeat them.

Donnie Lee Jr. says his life is based on Genesis 50:20.

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“ You intended to harm me but God intended it for good. What is now taking place, the saving of many lives.  “

Donnie Lee Jr. opened West Alabama's largest private multi-sport brick and mortar training facility in April of 2021. The Lab USA has helped over 80 athletes receive division 1 scholarship offers and also provides free tutoring and ACT prep for athletes.

Criminal Justice reform is another area of interest for Lee Jr. He's the Executive Director of The Ivey Foundation. The foundation has established a re-entry program for the Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Detention Center, created free tutoring for all TCSS and TCS students as well as free ACT prep with the University of Alabama's Culverhouse Bussiness School.

"Black History Month is an opportunity for all demographics to reflect on the sacrifices and achievements of the trailblazing African-American Men and Women who came before us, an opportunity to acknowledge the brilliance and genius required for them to circumnavigate the myriad of obstacles and impediments they faced in their plight for equality." Lee Jr. Said.

It's obvious that Donnie Lee Jr. has a passion for the community and helping the next generation.

" It's about forwarding progress and upward mobility.  It's about studying the strategies used by James Baldwin,  Ralph Stokes, Condoleeza Rice, Madam C.J. Walker, and  Dr. Fred Shuttlesworth, and applying these strategies to contemporary issues while standing on the shoulders of Giants. Black History means reflecting and studying the past to provide a better future for generations to come."

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