Raymond A. Parks: How the Founder of The U.P.L.I.F.T. Program Empowers Detroit Youth Through Vision, Integrity, and Purpose

By Tammy Reese | Monday, December 22, 2025 | The Heart of the Community

Raymond A. Parks

From overcoming a challenging upbringing in Detroit to becoming a respected motivational speaker, coach, and community leader, Raymond A. Parks embodies resilience, integrity, and purpose. As President and Founder of The U.P.L.I.F.T. Program (Urban Peers Learning Integrity For Tomorrow), Raymond has dedicated his life to empowering youth in underserved communities through mentorship, holistic development, and leadership training. In this exclusive Vision & Purpose Lifestyle Magazine interview, he shares how his personal experiences shaped his commitment to building stronger communities, fostering emotional and social growth, and providing opportunities for the next generation to thrive.

Raymond, your story is one of perseverance and purpose. Can you share how your upbringing in Detroit shaped the man and leader you’ve become today?

Raymond: Growing up in a home marked by trauma,addiction, unhealthy dynamics can be incredibly painful, but I can say it gave me remarkable strength, empathy, and clarity of purpose.

You’ve faced some tough challenges — being born to a young mother, losing loved ones, and experiencing personal setbacks in college. How did those moments help define your purpose in life?

Raymond: I feel that people who lived through trauma and darkness see life differently. I see what neglect,addiction, and a moral collapse do to people. Which is the cost of not living with Integrity. My awareness and empathy became a kind of large scale of healing for change. Through the pain drives my purpose. Because I have been through something few can imagine, I can sit with others in their suffering without flinching and without judgement.

From being an all-state athlete to a college graduate, motivational speaker, and coach — how did your experiences in sports influence your leadership style?

Raymond: My journey from being an All-state athlete to a college graduate, motivational speaker and coach has deeply influenced by my experiences in sports in the state of Michigan .Competing at a high level, taught me early on the value of discipline, teamwork and perseverance in every practice and game, I learned that success doesn’t come from individual talent alone, but from the ability to lift others up Communicate effectively and stay composed under pressure.Those lessons became the foundation of my leadership style. I lead by example setting high standards for effort,attitude and accountability. I believe in creating a culture where everyone feels seen, valued and motivated to grow. Sports taught me that true leadership isn’t about authority. It’s about service, helping others unlock their potential and perform at their best. Whether I’m speaking to a crowd ,mentoring a student athlete or coaching a team,the lessons I learned at Central high school continue to guide me therefore I stay humble in victory, resilient in defeat, and committed to consistent improvement.

Raymond A Parks

You’re a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. — how has fraternity life and brotherhood contributed to your growth as a man and a community leader?

Raymond: Becoming a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity inc. has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The values of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift are more than words. They are principles that have shaped the way I live, lead, and serve. Through fraternity life, I learned the true meaning of brotherhood, standing shoulder to shoulder with men who hold one another accountable, push each other to excel, and celebrate each other’s successes . The spirit of unity and service strengthened my character and deepened my commitment to making a positive impact beyond myself. As a member of Omega Phi Psi , I’ve embraced the responsibility of giving back mentoring, young men ,supporting community initiative, and leading with integrity. The brotherhood taught me that leadership isn’t status ,but about service, using your gifts to uplift others and leave every space better than you found it. The lessons I’ve gained through Omega Psi Phi continue to influence my work as a coach, speaker, and community leader every time I leave, I strive to embody the same principle that my fraternity instilled: indiscipline, compassion, and unwavering dedication to Uplift those around me.

The name “Urban Peers Learning Integrity For Tomorrow” is powerful — what does that mean to you personally?

Raymond: To me, Integrity is the foundation of who I am. It’s doing the right thing even when no one is watching . It’s about being consistent in my words, actions, and values, no matter the circumstances. Integrity means standing firm, in what I believe, keeping my promises ,and treating others with honesty and respect . Uplift isn’t about perfection. It’s about accountability. It’s having the courage to admit mistakes, learn from them and grow . It’s leading with authenticity, making sure that who I am in public matches who I am in private in every role I play — as a coach, mentor, Brother ,and community leader-integrity guides my decisions .It reminds me that true success isn’t just measured by accomplishments or recognition, but by the trust you build and the example you set for others.To me, Integrity is the quiet strength that holds everything else together. It is the standard I strive to live by every single day.

How does The U.P.L.I.F.T. Program address the real needs of youth today, especially those growing up in underserved communities?

Raymond: The Uplift program addresses the needs of its members, simply by meeting the holistic needs of our members, addressing not just academic or athletic development, but also emotional, social, and leadership growth. We recognize that each individual comes with unique challenges and potential and our goal is to provide resources, mentorship and opportunities that help them thrive.

Can you share one story or moment from The U.P.L.I.F.T. Program that truly affirmed your “why”?

Raymond: Every moment the Uplift program addresses the needs of its members with every interaction we fill are exercising our why. For example, combining mentorship skill building, academic support, and a strong sense of community, empowering each individual to succeed and positively impact the world around them

You’ve described The U.P.L.I.F.T. Program as taking a holistic approach — why is that so important when working with youth and families?

Raymond: Why the uplift program takes the holistic approach because youth and families are multidimensional; their needs extend beyond academics or sports. To truly empower individuals and strengthen communities, support must address all aspects of development, emotional, social, educational, and practical by focusing on the whole person, the program ensures that you’ve not only gained skills and knowledge but also develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity. Families are included in the process to reinforce stability, guidance, and shared growth at home. This approach recognizes that lasting success comes from nurturing the mind, body and spirit, creating an environment where youth can thrive in every area of life, overcoming challenges, and envisioning a bright future. In short, the holistic approach ensures that support is meaningful,sustainable,and capable of transforming not just individuals, but communities.

Raymond A. Parks

How do you collaborate with schools, parents, and local businesses to create real opportunities for young people?

Raymond: We collaborate with schools to identify students who would benefit most, provide mentorship support, integrate educational and character building initiatives into their learning environments. Parents ,we engage families as partners in their children’s growth, keeping them informed, involved, and empowered to reinforce positive habits and values at home. And with businesses,we cultivate sponsorships, internships, and hands-on experiences that expose youth to career paths, leadership opportunities, and real world skills. By connecting these pillars, education, family, and community I ensure that you have access to a support network, meaningful experiences, and the resources they need to succeed, in both now and in the future.

You live by the quote: “If you are humble, you get help. If you are hostile, you get humiliated.” Can you tell us how that principle has guided you personally and professionally?

Raymond: This saying has been a compass for my life and leadership. Personally, it reminds me to approach every situation with humility and openness,to listen before reacting, to seek understanding before judgment, to recognize that growth comes from collaboration, not conflict. It keeps me grounded and encourages me to treat others with respect,even in challenging moments. Professionally, this philosophy has shaped the way I lead, mentor, and build relationships. In coaching, public speaking, and community leadership, it reinforces the importance of earning trust and inspiring others through empathy and integrity rather than intimidation or aggression. By staying humble, I attract support, guidance, and meaningful partnerships. By avoiding hostility, I prevent unnecessary conflict and maintain credibility.Ultimately, this saying is a daily reminder that attitude determines outcome, humility opens doors, while hostility closes them. It’s a principle that shapes not just success, but the kind of person I strive to be.

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What’s next for The U.P.L.I.F.T. Program? Are there any upcoming projects or partnerships that you’re excited about?

Raymond: Uplift program’s next big project is thrilled to announce this very big initiative creating a community safe space paired with a community garden. This project is designed to provide a welcoming, secure environment, where youth and families can gather, learn, and grow together. The safe space will serve as a hub for mentorship, educational programs, and recreational activities, ensuring that our community has a place to thrive the addition of a community garden brings even more excitement. It will teach youth and families valuable lessons about nutrition, sustainability, teamwork, and responsibility, while also providing fresh produce to support local households. This project reflects our commitment to holistic development, strengthening both the individuals and the community as a whole. We are excited because this initiative embodies the heart of the Uplift program, creating opportunities, building connections and fostering environments, where people of all ages can grow, learn, and succeed together. It’s not just a space. It’s a movement to uplift the community from the ground up, literally and figuratively.

What advice would you give to young men who are facing adversity and struggling to find their purpose?

Raymond: My advice for a young man facing adversity or struggles in this process I would say first understand this adversity doesn’t define you. It refines you. Every struggle you face is shaping the man you’re becoming. I know it’s hard to see it right now, but pressure creates strength, and pain can produce purpose if you do not give up on yourself. Finding your purpose starts with looking within, not around you. You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to take one step at a time. Focus on what you can control, which is your attitude, your effort, and your character. Be humble enough to ask for help and why is it enough to learn from every challenge. Remember, you don’t have to walk this road alone. There are people who care, who believe in you, and who want to see you win. Most importantly, don’t let temporary struggles make you forget your permanent value because your story matters. You were created with a purpose, and the world needs what you have to offer. Keep pushing, keep believing, and keep growing because the very thing that’s testing you right now is preparing you for the greatness that’s ahead.

Learn more by visiting https://www.theupliftprogram.org/

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Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.

She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.

Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.

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