Vision
Our vision is to build strong communities by creating real opportunities in housing, education, and economic growth across Connecticut.
Mission
Our mission is to develop youth and family centers, expand housing and homeownership opportunities, and create real economic pathways across underserved communities in Connecticut.
What We’re Doing Right Now
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MLK Planning Initiative in partnership with DECD
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Youth and Family Center development
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Community site selection and planning
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Workforce and economic development programs
Meet Our Founder
Deivone M. Tanksley Sr. is a father, visionary, and servant leader who turned pain into purpose and purpose into power. Raised in the streets of New Britain, Connecticut,
Deivone’s early life was marked by poverty, incarceration, and struggle. But through resilience, faith, and vision, he transformed his life — and now dedicates it to
transforming communities across the state.
Meet our Wonderful Team
CT MLK Legacies Corp is powered by visionary leadership and a commitment to purpose-driven change.
Deivone M. Tanksley Sr.
Founder, President & CEO
Visionary leader transforming communities through purpose-driven action with a divine assignment.
Jaci Tanksley
Co-Founder & Treasurer
Financial stewardship and organizational development
Steve Thompson
Program Director
Program director and facility manager
Our Values
Leadership
Managing resources with responsibility, purpose, and vision.
Opportunity
Opening doors for those who’ve been overlooked or counted out.
Community Impact
Using your gifts and resources to uplift entire communities.
Innovation
Creating new pathways and systems where none existed.
Accountability
Owning your mission, decisions, and commitments.
Restoration
Rebuilding families, systems, and communities with love and structure.
Our Strengths
Vision
Seeing the future clearly — even when others can’t.
Strategic Foresight
Decoding systems, opportunities, and pathways.
Community Connection
Understanding people deeply and shifting environments with presence alone.
Innovation
Building new systems, solutions, and blueprints where none existed.
Our Philosophy
Our thoughts shape our identity, and our identity shapes our path. When we align purpose with action and lead with clarity and compassion, real change becomes possible—from within ourselves to the communities we serve.
— Our Core Belief
Our Committees
Housing
Youth
Education
Economic Development
Innovation and Technology