Toson Knight
Position: Dean of Students
School: Western International High School
School District: Detroit Public Schools Community District
City, State: Detroit, MI
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Coach knight , I call him because he is just that. He inspires, he leads, he guides, and most importantly he sets people up to succeed. Anything he partakes in will become better that is his gift to humanity. There’s no bigger game changer than he is. He’s my life changer.
I have watched Toson Knight for many years work hard and impact so many young people. The dedication that he has to his mentees and the programming that he offers to youth in the Detroit area is phenomenal. I am very happy to say that we went to college together. Lifechanger award is very befitting because he truly changes the lives of everyone that he comes in contact with.
Mr. Knight has had a huge impact on my life. From playing a role in helping me get a full ride to Michigan State University, to paying for me to get my drivers license. By stepping into my life when I was in the 9th grade Mr. Knight helped keep me on the right path.
Life changer would be the perfect word to describe Mr. Knight. He’s taught and instilled things in me that will take me a long way in life. He’s also a person you can count on to be there and I appreciate him for being in my life.
Mr. Knight is one of the most amazing human beings I know. Apart from his jovial character and leadership qualities, what stands out to me the most is the fact that this young man left his neighborhood, went to a phenomenal university, got a degree, and should’ve moved to a bigger and what some may say a more amazing neighborhood. But he chose to return to his home city of Detroit to serve, and to serve relentlessly. He has a deep love for his city and the people who live in it; this is demonstrated by the ministry that he started called Caught Up. I am so glad to be part of his sphere of people helping each other serve others. I am grateful to know him and our city is better because he’s here.
I definitely second this nomination of being a LifeChanger; as a parent of his student and mentee, Toson Knight has made a major difference in my sons life.
Consistent since 5th grade, now a 10th grader and my youngest son, now also a Caught Up Mentee, is a 7th grader & Toson has shown up and been in apart of their lives.
Caught up to us hasnt just been a program they attend and go home. As black boys who have experienced trauma Mr. Knight has gone beyond the scope of an educator and been apart of these boys healing process.
Through understanding whats happening in this country, in their communities down to being apart of the solutions at home. Some people may change lives with their influence, but Mr. Kights impact goes beyond his influence, he engages and pulls up on these boys in their everyday life. He creates opportunitues for them to travel and have experiences outside of their communitues. My sons have both traveled and even organized for a few of their peers from school to attend an out of state trip during COVID . He is apart of these boys lives and have created access for all of them to learn together and get what they need collectively.
As a single mother ive always did this on my own with no support from a co-parent at all. Even being apart of a huge family and village, it takes a different level of commitment to work one on one with a parent and their child.
For a black man to co-parent and take on responsibilities for not just mine but multiple children, we have to acknowledge the level of voluntary responsibility this man has taken to contribute to the lives of the children he impacts. Black boys need men to recognize and identify with to understand how to make choices in real life situations. Not only does he reflect greatness to our children, his organization has connected our boys to other black men that stand with him and do the work as well as young adukts who have been apart of the program that now have evolved into mentors themselves, reciprocating grateness.
As my boys have grown from elementary babies, Toson has been there. Resilient. Patient. Flexible. Committed. Sometimes we have all had to stop and pray and when the smoke clears and everyone else is gone, he has been there through it with them unwavering.
My 10th grader has experienced so much, from being jumped, suspensions, girls, deaths, peers dying, seeing abuse and i am humble and grateful for the impact he has made and is making. Im facing life with my children in love and i want them to live and be great men. Tosons commitment helps affirm they are and they will. He deserves the acknowledgement and recognition cause its not just his work, this is his life. And we are grateful to have Caught Up apart of ours.
Mr Knight, for me, is the most amazing,genuine, and God Fearing person you’ll ever meet. His love and passion to help the youth is so inspirational to those from the outside looking in. I say that because I was one of those people. He has set an example to many, if not all, that the greatest impact you could ever have in someone’s life , is to the youth. He has showed that from his youth as well and it’s a blessing to see that he’s still here despite any road bumps. His faith in God continues to bring him to greater heights to continue to mentor to the youth and make communities better.
Life changer would be the perfect word to describe Mr. Knight. He’s taught and instilled things in me that will take me a long way in life. He’s also a person you can count on to be there and I appreciate him for being in my life.
Mr. Knight is one of the most amazing human beings I know. Apart from his jovial character and leadership qualities, what stands out to me the most is the fact that this young man left his neighborhood, went to a phenomenal university, got a degree, and should’ve moved to a bigger and what some may say a more amazing neighborhood. But he chose to return to his home city of Detroit to serve, and to serve relentlessly. He has a deep love for his city and the people who live in it; this is demonstrated by the ministry that he started called Caught Up. I am so glad to be part of his sphere of people helping each other serve others. I am grateful to know him and our city is better because he’s here.
Life changer would be the perfect word to describe Mr. Knight. He’s taught and instilled things in me that will take me a long way in life. He’s also a person you can count on to be there and I appreciate him for being in my life.
Mr Knight has impacted my life in so many different ways. He’s been a mentor, Old Brother, and Father to many kids in the cities of Detroit and Huntsville. Mr Knight has personally made his job to help better me and my education I’m very thankful to have him around.
Mr. Knight has impacted my in life in many ways such as helping me in school. Another way he has impacted my life is helping me network with leaders across the city. Such as the Deputy Mayor. He has taught me about manhood and been a father figure in my life.
Mr. Knight has been a mentor and a inspiration in my life. He had been very influential in my process of maturing in my academic and political career and I am so grateful for the work he has done for me and my community.
Mr. Knight has impacted my in life in many ways such as helping me in school. Another way he has impacted my life is helping me network with leaders across the city. Such as the Deputy Mayor. He has taught me about manhood and been a father figure in my life.
Mr. Knight is the definition of a true life changer. So many times when I thought about giving up because I believed it was impossible, he would always be there to make sure it happened. A man with integrity and a great heart who can always lighten the mood. There’s been times when I was down and just being around him would change my mood. Thank you Mr. Knight.
One of the first black male I’ve witnessed leading and has lead by the right example
My Mentor Mr Toson Antwan Knight thank You For Helping me And the youth for the last pass twenty Years
Mr.Knight have impacted my life in many ways. One way is that he check up on my grades and make sure I’m on track in school. Another thing is that he try to keep me out of trouble and bring me around positive people.
My name is Anthony Harris and Mr Knight impacted my life in many ways. Mr. Knight was always there for me when I needed help, he stayed on me about my grade and pushed me to do better at everything. He always told me to give a 100 percent at everything I do. Mr.Knight was like the dad in my life that every kid needs to get through this world, he made sure that I wasn’t in places that I shouldn’t be, he impacted my whole life, my mindset, making the right choice with money, showing me how to invest my money and Helped me learn how to be a better speaker. Mr.Knight is great, he is the mentor and leader that everyone needs!
Mr. Knight has impacted my in life in many ways such as helping me in school. Another way he has impacted my life is helping me network with leaders across the city. Such as the Deputy Mayor. He has taught me about manhood and been a father figure in my life.
When I think of Life changer, I automatically think of Toson Knight. Toson is a dedicated mentor that provides life changing opportunities for at-risk Youth in Detroit.
Mr Knight is dedicated to the empowerment and development of the youth in the City of Detroit. He is a great example of what someone could be if just one person invests time and love into another person. He is defied the odds that was set before him and has come back and given his all to the youth and the city of Detroit alike. All respect and love to Mr. Toson Knight.
Words can’t describe how thankful I am to have coach knight in my life, He’s been someone I can always count on no matter the situation. Coach knight haven’t only help me get into college he’s also provided multiple job opportunities for me every summer since I’ve graduated high school, he’s been the positive big brother/ father figure that I’ve always needed.
Mr Knight has impacted my life in many ways. I haven’t had glasses since 5th grade, this year Mr Knight took it upon his self to get me a eye doctors appointment not only did he do that but he took me to the appointment too and purchased me two pairs of glasses. I feel like he deserves this award the most because not only has he done that, he has helped me a lot with life in general.
Man, I could be here all day about the impact Mr. Knight has had on my life but I’ll get straight to it. Ever since I’ve formed a bond with Mr. Knight he’s helped me in so many ways. This I got to spend a whole summer with him this past year and it was amazing. We both marched on the frontlines during the protest making sure our city stayed safe. Mr. Knight has helped me pay my way through college, he’s created opportunities for me, and he’s always there for me. When I say he’s the best mentor ever and one of the greatest people ever, that’s no stretch. He’s really one of a kind.
Hello fellow board Committee on behalf of Carvell Goodlow n family. I am his mother and he is deceased but because of Mr Knight my son MANAGED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST OUT OF THREE GENERATIONS TO ATTEND COLLEGE. HE ALSO OPENED MY SONS EYES TO GREAT OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS OAKWOOD COLLEGE, CAUGHT UP, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TO WALK CLOSER TO GOD. MY SON IS AND WAS ALSO A HUGE PART OF CAUGHT UP MINISTRIES. AS CARVELLS MOTHER HE MADE A HUGE IMPACT ON HIS FAMILY. MR KNIGHT SHOWED MY SON HOW 2 LOOK FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE AND ALSO HOW TO BECOME A STRONG BLACK MAN. AS WITH ALL THE YOUNG MEN HE TEACHES. I REALLY APPLAUD HIM FOR HIS LOYAL COMPASSIONATE GENEROUS SOUL. I CAN GO ON AND ON ABOUT MR KNIGHT. HE DESERVES IT
Mr.Knight helped me get back in school and helped me get my diploma when nobody was really in my corner he came to my house and had a face to face talk with me and he explained to me a lot of stuff and i had broke down in tears cause of all the pain and no support but he hugged me and told me anything is possible he had a huge impact in my life he is truly a blessing
Mr.knight has impacted my life in numerous of ways, all the advice he’s given, the educational road trips he’s taken me on, and the important role models he introduce me to would all be enough to call him a great mentor but instead he continues to be a support system through my everyday life and is still helping me through school.
Mr knight changed my life in a few different ways first he opened up and showed me what it is to be a man and to have responsibilities he also showed me how to be somebody in life ,to finish school go to college get a job and be a provider . It’s much more but that’s just a small percentage of what he did.
Mr. Knight has changed and supported me in so many positive ways. He has gotten me into college, helped me graduate high school and has made me a better person in general. He’s definitely the “life changer of the year” (all the years).
Toson is dedicated to making the world a better place every day.
Mr. Knight has had a huge impact on my life. From playing a role in helping me get a full ride to Michigan State University, to paying for me to get my drivers license. By stepping into my life when I was in the 9th grade Mr. Knight helped keep me on the right path.
Man, I could be here all day about the impact Mr. Knight has had on my life but I’ll get straight to it. Ever since I’ve formed a bond with Mr. Knight he’s helped me in so many ways. This I got to spend a whole summer with him this past year and it was amazing. We both marched on the frontlines during the protest making sure our city stayed safe. Mr. Knight has helped me pay my way through college, he’s created opportunities for me, and he’s always there for me. When I say he’s the best mentor ever and one of the greatest people ever, that’s no stretch. He’s really one of a kind.
Mr. Knight has changed and supported me in so many positive ways. He has gotten me into college, helped me graduate high school and has made me a better person in general. He’s definitely the “life changer of the year” (all the years).
