Heart of the City Radio Interview

On Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 1 PM to 3 PM, DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. Founder and Executive Director Donovan Forrest was a guest on Heart City Radio hosted by Malik Boyd. Heart of the City is an imprint of the Premiere Brand, founded by Boyd. Premiere Brand is a brand development firm headquartered in Center City Philadelphia. Malik currently consults national and regional clients, municipalities, and elected officials, directing strategy, brand identity & design, and leading crisis management efforts.

When asked what keeps Forrest encouraged despite the difficulties, Forrest responded that the early work of men such as Richard Allen & Prince Hall as his daily inspiration for his social entrepreneurship and social justice work fueling DonCARES' unique mission. Boyd stated that Allen and Hall held integral roles in black advancement despite the poor social and racial climate for blacks during America's early republic.

During the interview, Forrest also described his early beginnings as a baby born to a "crack-cocaine" addicted birth-mother. "Being born to a sick mother and as a young black boy, set the stage for many of the obstacles I was to encounter growing up. Luckily, I was adopted into a caring family who taught me the value of community and education." Forrest said.

As an adolescent who struggled with his anger and lashed out in his community, Forrest named his 501(c)(3) non-profit DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. as an effort to give back to a community and city where he was once in trouble often.

Forrest was joined by two other powerful black male educators in the Philadelphia area: Vincent Garrett and Hilderbrand Pelzer III.