Awesome: Homeless High School Graduate Says Good Choices Helped Him Make It Through the Storm
If anyone ever says you can’t overcome the odds, then you only need to tell them about Fred Dukes. Dukes is one of the seniors graduating this year from Booker T. Washington High School, and he scored 24 on his ACT. He also held a 3.0 grade point average, even though he was homeless and has no family support.
“I am very proud I stuck with it and didn’t give up,” said Dukes.
Dukes’ stepmother moved back to South Carolina for a job, but he stayed behind in Atlanta. This meant that he had to stay with his friends and find a way to get what he needed in order to survive.
“Me and my friend Malcolm kind of compromised to where I could lay my head on his back porch if I needed to,” said Dukes.
Last Christmas, things really got tough for Dukes. He ended up at a homeless shelter and lost all that he had.
“I got into an altercation with a couple other people that were staying here and they wanted to take my stuff, my belongings,” said Dukes.
“It’s a lot. It’s a lot for an adult, and then to see a child do this? Yes it’s a lot,” said Leyanna Lloyd, Dukes’ science teacher. “He would just tell me stuff and I would sit there with a straight face and then I would end up crying after he left because he has been through a lot, but he never said he was giving up, ever,” said Lloyd.
“Oh my God! I finally made it. My message to people is do not let your situation make you who you are. Like I said before, it is the decisions that you make that make you the person you are,” Dukes said.
Dukes is planning to attend Cocker College in South Carolina this fall. He plans to major in business.
76 Responses to Awesome: Homeless High School Graduate Says Good Choices Helped Him Make It Through the Storm
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“WONDERFUL” Thank You for sharing this awesome story!…IF GOD IS FOR YOU, WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU…NEVER GIVE UP!!!
Fred we live in SC I am not sure where the college is, but if you need a home while you go to school, we welcome you to come live with us.
Karen – you are a living example of how the Bible says we should help our brothers and sisters. God will bless you for offering your home to this young man. We need more people like you in this world. Bless you!
Oh Karen. Your offer is wonderful and I would like to echo everything Daisy said.
I am in tears. Karen, I pray that God will bless you immensely for your response of love and support to this young man. I will be sharing his story with the kids in my church, and your response with the parents at our church too. Wow this was a beautiful read.
God bless you Karen…
Karen, you are me. LOL That is awesome. It is incredible to see other people crazy enough like me to just open the doors to their home. If we could get people to see they would be blessed more than they could ever imagine (not my opinion, He says it), I am certain there would be fewer issues in this world. Thank you for your offer, I pray that the school is close enough that he can take you up on your offer. If not, he can apply to UTC and hang with us. Either way,next step, college graduation!!
I would LOVE to help out as well!! (*.*)
Karen – I believe it was meant to be Coker College, which is in Hartsville, SC. It’s about 30 minutes NW of Florence and 45 minutes NE of Camden. Great Liberal Arts school in a cute, close-knit community.
THIS IS WHY I MISS THE SOUTH!!! My heart is still full from all the hugs I get when I visit and my mouth is still watering from the fresh fried catfish everyone seems to be cooking when we come visit. Thank you Karen for reminding me that it’s the PEOPLE that make it so great. You are awesome.
This is a great story, and one that should be read aloud repeatedly by anyone who claims the odds are against them. Execution trumps excuses.
This example of courage against all odds, is greater than the NFL, NBA, NCCA, championship. Fred Dukes, have the heart of a champion. If God be for you who can be against you. Fred Dukes, had to fight against all…… but he passed.
Fred Dukes, you are a greater learner and with your winning attitude you will be a greater earner.
JB
correction… NCAA.
Congratulation to this young man, he earned every bit of it! The Black community needs more stories like this instead of brothers acting stupid and ending up incarcerated. I wish this kid all the luck in the world.
This is news worthy. I am so proud of this young man. Where are the parents.
Good for him! My nephew attended that college.
Barbara, do you have information on this college. I would like to aide in his tution…
You may reach out to Fred at the following email address. A very nice young man. I met him through this news story. DukesFredL.btwhs@gmail.com
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!
What a wonderful story and what a wonderful young man to fight the odds as he has done. I wish him the best of everything that life has to offer.
God bless him.
This is an article that everone needs to read, especially the young people who feel as if they are having it hard in life.
This is a great story but also a tragic story! Yes this young man should be commended for this bravery and execution *BUT* are we all missing the point that this young man ended up homeless? He had a step mom who left him. Where’s his father? Is there no one in the community who would take this young man into their home? No church in Atlanta could help this young man?
I am excited for young Fred he is a winner! But I am very disappointed in our community.
My thoughts exactly John. My heart breaks for this young man because it seems as though there should have been some level of support for him. I’m wondering if he is over 18 because if not he should have at least been able to get support through social services. Did all these people know this child was homeless for 2 years and couldn’t even provide a place for him to lay his head or lead him somewhere better than a homeless shelter? How can you know this child is homeless during the holidays and not at least invite him for Christmas dinner or take him out to eat every now and then? How incredibly sad. We as a people will have to answer to God for this!! I pray he makes it in South Carolina and he God puts people in his life to meet his needs.
No we arent missing the point…he did this inspite of his surroundings. People will always disappoint…”shoulds” only exist in our minds. He didn’t let his situation beat him. With news of his determination and accomplishments thus far, hopefully he will get more support. In fact, I’m going to look up his name to see if there is an organized effort to help him so that I may contribute. Perhaps I will start with the college he will attend this fall.
I just called the school….I’m waiting for a call back.
I spoke to Frederick Dukes and he is a very mannerable young man. You may email him at DukesFredL.btwhs@gmail.com
This is where the Government should step in and make sure that this kid get a full scholarship like they do for other unfortunate children. Great job Dukes, keep the faith, God is on your side.
This is not a government issue. It’s a black issue and we need to step up and take care of this kid. We do!
We still came to the same conclusion, whether Government or not. Take care of this kid.
Amen!! Great story..I have his email and I will personally reach out to Him thanks to all who have inquired. This is a great Story, to pass Along!!!
Smooches..All Its also good to know there are still people in this world with Kindness in their Hearts….God Bless !!!
This is not a government issue.. it’s a black community, black family issue! We need to be responsible for our own!! The government has failed us from day one and yet we still wait for them to help us… wake up!
Thanks to all those gracious and wonderful souls who have volunteered to help in anyway they can. God is good!!!!Please keep us informed of his progress!!!!!!
What a wonderful story, I wish him all the best. Failure usually runs on the track of LAZINESS. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS HIM.
What a refreshing story. God Bless you for using your God given gifts in a positive way. May you continue to excel. I disagree with the notion that the government needs to give you a scholarship. I am sure that there are academic scholarships avaiable to you, a deserving young man.
Stay strong and focused.
Your not even related to me and I AM PROUD OF YOU. Your a great example for all High School Students. I wish the best for a great future and for a great life.
I truly commend him for all his triumphs. Here I am sad and depressed about my situations & this young man managed to keep his head up & go for what he wanted. I can no longer sit here feeling down after reading this story. Thank you Fred for opening my eyes & inspiring me to keep my head up as well. My God bless you & lead you to great things.
For me, this is an example of why black people will not only survive against all the odds but excel and display greatness. It’s what they have been doing for centuries and why I have always looked to black people for inspiration and wisdom.
Yes, this is a fantastic story but it’s also very sad that we live in the riches country in the world and we have homeless children. It saddens me that we spend money on things that matter least. We should be paying this kid for having the courage, character, and integrity to see it through. Fred, if for any reason you get this message. I pledge a thousand dollars a semester for 4 years while you finish college, just for you to live a little. Be a kid! My number is 615-482-9964. Bless you young man! You are the hero!
Damien Hodge
Mr. Hodge, Call the school he graduated from, they may be able to put you in touch with him if not already.
This is a generous gesture. Please keep to your promise. We need more people like you including myself. If there is a fund set up for this kid, I too will contribute.
I read your comment and that was very very nice of you..If we had more people like you th world would be better off.. Not sure if you knew there was another homeless kid living on the streets and he beat the odds as well and is headed to Harvard..If he evers calls you please forward me his contact informatio..I can’t make a pledge like you did but I can send him something,,People blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.. I don’t have much but I don’t mind sharing what I do have..
When you read of the tragic shootings of a Treyvon Martin or a 6 year old getting shot while playing with her doll in her front yard you tend to ask is there any good news. My only question now is why no MSNBC, CNN, 20/20, BET, ETC…….. You get the point. Anyway keep finding us more news like this. Of every excuse he could’ve used he didn’t. Great job.
God Bless you son..If you decide to go to college is there somewhere we can send you some of what you need.Take care.You are truly an inspiration!We will be your family here in Philly!
God bless the child that has his own! What an awesome story – I pray that he remains covered by angles. There is a purpose for him in this world.
It bothers me that the story didn’t detail if the science teacher attempted to find a safe place for him to stay. I’m not sure but I would like to think that the teacher went above and beyond mere shedding tears – take action!
while publishing this story, was there a college fund established to help this young man? It would be a pleasure for me to contribute!
Way to go! Very proud and happy to see this! My question however, is what was that teacher thinking? He would come in and share what was going on and did nothing for him? His best friend let him sleep on the porch? Where were his parents? Finally, where is this boys father and why in heavens name would he be ‘left’ in Atlanta on his own in the first place?
NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST U SHALL PROSPER……GREATNESS SHALL COME UPON U……KEEP YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH!!!!!
Fred, I am so proud of you!!!!Karen you’re AWESOME and will be BLESSED ABUNDANTLY!!!!
God will carry you through all things with just a little faith I proud of you. Because you never know what someone is going through but yet you made keep your head.
that young had god on his side,that should be a test to all the high school drop out old and young.education is where it at god bless you and god has truely blessed his son.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN A MIGHT WAY! CONGRATULATION Young Man! I wish you all the best,and I wish there were more Young men that would follow your positive and dont give up attitude, when it come to education.
What a wonderful ending/beginning to a sad, sad story! I agree with those who came before me in this thread – and for the sentiment expressing shame on our community for not being there for this young man! We REALLY do need to get “back to the basics” … “it takes a village to raise a child!” And God’s blessings to the readers that offered him a place to stay and $1000/semester for the next four years! Indeed, this story brought tears to my eyes, but that brought tears FROM my eyes!!
Congratulation to this young man who against all odds acheived his objective. This goes to show us that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. The government owes us nothing just like this young man proved. Education is the key to our success in todays trying world. This young man has mad me proud even though we are not blood related but we are related in acheiving our objectives. God bless you young man and better days are coming your way. I hope you will be positive example for other young kids to follow.
GOD POSITIONS US IN PLACES AND SITUATIONS IN OUR LIFE…..TO POSITION AND PLACE US IN OTHER SITUATIONS…..GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES…I WISH THIS YOUNG MAN ALL THE SUCCESS HIS HEART CAN HOLD….
Mr. Martin was so on point with his comment. It is so interesting to me how every Sunday “the Saints” dress up to attend worship services and commute in the fanciest car they can finance. I wonder how many of “the Saints” even extended a hand. We are our brothers and sisters keepers.
What a great & inspiring story this is!Something very positive in the news is refreshing.Congrats to Fred & may GOD continue to show/have FAVOR on your life. God bless Karen for being a caring & faithful servant of God. He surely will bless her for her good deeds.Wow,such a nice story & it has encouraged me & I hope millions of others in the world.Again,much success & best wishes to Fred in all his future endeavors!God speed…
I cannot believe a Mom could leave her child to fend for himself in this society. I must say this young Man has shown remarkable determination and strength. I wish him the best that life can offer. He deserves a helping hand. I hope some college or organization will offer him some assistance. This is a person who deserves public assistance. Thank God he has a good head on his shoulders and I cannot see why if so many people knew about his homelessness why .. someone could not have made arrangements for him to stay with a family.. like they do for the exchange students.
I retired from working with the homeless in Baltimore City 1 year ago. I understand that your success is not the norm. God bless you in your educational pursuits. Your past trials will strengthen you in the future.
If my email could be passed to this young man through this site I would be grateful. Here in England in my job everyday I try to assist those that are more fortunate then this young man into work, yet most don’t want the help or feel that they deserve something for nothing. I am forever hoping to change and improve the life’s of others. Here is an inspiring story of a young man that has touch my soul. I am not a rich man but am willing to assist in the securing of this young mans future. Karen I am willing to help with this young man by offering guidance, mentoring and any financial assistance that I can. It would be an honor.
This is truly an inspiration to me. Good luck to him in college.
VERY GOOD STORY. A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO READ EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT HOMELESS.
God working in this young man life ***Pray that other young people can get their life in the right way***With love or not love in your life it is up to the person who want something out of life****Be Bless
This young man prove that even when you are homeless but have ambition you can make it.
All the best to him and may the good Lord keep in safe.Congratulation Duke…
My heart goes out to this young man & I’m so proud of him for his courage and strength.. I am curious though, why did he have to compromise with his friend to lay his head on his back porch? Why wouldn’t the friends parents allow him to come inside, or did they even know about him & his plight? All this aside, Praise God he made it!!!
Hats off to this young man he beat the odds when everything else was against him. He was truly blessed.
This is such a beautiful n uplifting story. I don’t have much but ANYTHING I can help with, I will, even a listening ear, if necessary!
Congratulations brother. It’s a wonderful feeling to see a young brother thats determined to achieve something positive for his future with no family support or a place to live. The average black male teenager would have quit school and ended up on the corner doing illegal things. Theres 1thing to your story that I don’t understand is the fact that your teacher knew of your situation and noone could help you find a place to live? Reading your story brought tears of joy to my eyes but the tears started pouring when I read how people r willing to open their homes and wallets for sa stranger. See America there are average citizens that have a heart. Wealth is the size of your heart not the size of your bank acct. First thing tmrw morning I am making my 15y/o son read your story. Thank you sharing your story and thank you for not giving u. Keep your head UP. I respect you.
First and foremost I want to say thank you to EVERYONE for the recogniton. I really do appreciate it,this motivates me even more to know that people really do care. To whom it concerns I had the option of moving with my mother but as a YOUNG MAN I know have the responsibility to become a better person. Also those that want to contribute to my college funds you can contact my mentor Bernard Watson at 404-295-1550 and he can give more details on that…
Again thank you everyone I can’t say that enough sincerely,
Frederick L. Dukes jr
Frederick, you are an inspiration to all young African American mean. I look forward to hearing all about your college journey. You are a prince among men. Keeping pressing toward the mark.
Ms. Gowdy
Fred, Great Job!!! and Go the Distance Young man!!!! Just know that God, will be there every step of the way……for You. * o *.
Frederick is an awesome young man. When I heard about his story, I prayed for God to direct me as how I could help him. I sent this young man a brand new laptop computer. It is good to see him strive to be the best he can be without direction. Finally a nice and warm story on a young black man. Keep on keeping on Frederick.
Here’s another story of a young man that was abandoned by his Mother and slept on Park benches. He is now on his way to Harvard University.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2154243/Teen-goes-sleeping-park-benches-Harvard-dorm-room-years-homeless.html
Happy reading this is a testament that our children can do anything they set their minds to do. There are thousands more of these babies that don’t make it on the News.
Fred you may not remember me but I’m Dede, Greg’s daughter. We used to play together when we were younger. I just wanted to say that I am proud of you. I just finished my 1st semester at Francis Marion University. I know what its like to be a first year freshman. If you need help with anything contact me by email. mslady1417@hotmail.com
Thanks to all those gracious and wonderful souls who have volunteered to help in anyway they can. God is good!!!!Please keep us informed of his progress!!!!!!