CT MLK Legacies
Our Committees
Housing
Youth
Education
Economic Development
Innovation and Technology
Vision
At MLK Legacies, we believe a tree is only as strong as its roots. Every member is a root, and together we grow a tree that produces fruit for all. Our unique approach is simple: we unite people under one movement and share the fruits of what we build.
Mission
Our mission is rooted in the creation of a statewide initiative to build youth and education centers, expand housing and homeownership opportunities, and drive economic development. The life experiences and philosophy of our founder, Deivone M. Tanksley Sr., serve as the foundation and driving force of this vision.
We are not just focusing on New Britain’s MLK area — we're committed to rebuilding distressed and underserved neighborhoods across the city and throughout underserved towns and cities across Connecticut. This is not a corridor; this is a movement.
"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"We are not waiting for change. We are building it, block by block, soul by soul. This is where the dream meets the vision." —Deivone M. Tanksley
Our Values
Creativity
Building new solutions, ideas, and systems that uplift communities.
Faith & Purpose
Acting with divine guidance, clarity, and intentionality.
Unity
Bringing people together across differences to move as one.
Transformation
Believing in the power to change, grow, and rewrite your story.
Accountability
Owning your mission, decisions, and commitments.
Compassion
Meeting people where they are with patience and understanding.
Excellence
Delivering high quality in everything you build and lead.
Community Impact
Using your gifts and resources to uplift entire communities.
Innovation
Creating new pathways and systems where none existed.
Opportunity
Opening doors for those who’ve been overlooked or counted out.
Healing
Addressing trauma, restoring hope, and rebuilding lives.
Stewardship
Managing resources with responsibility, purpose, and vision.
Alignment
Moving with divine timing, wisdom, and inner clarity.
Restoration
Rebuilding families, systems, and communities with love and structure.
Dignity
Ensuring every person feels valued, seen, and honored.
Integrity
Doing what’s right with honesty, consistency, and truth.
Love
Leading with compassion, empathy, and genuine care.
Respect
Honoring the humanity and dignity of every person.
Justice
Standing for fairness, equity, and healing-centered accountability.
Empowerment
Helping people discover their strength, voice, and purpose.
Our Strengths
Fearless Pursuit of Progress
Moving forward with courage, purpose, and obedience.
Thinking Big
Refusing to shrink your imagination or your calling.
Bold Action
Executing with confidence, speed, and intention.
Divine Awareness
Sensing timing, alignment, and spiritual guidance with clarity.
Transformational Leadership
Turning pain into power, and leaders into difference-makers.
Innovation & Creativity
Building new systems, solutions, and blueprints where none existed.
Unshakeable Determination
Remaining focused and grounded through challenges, noise, and pressure.
Community Connection
Understanding people deeply and shifting environments with presence alone.
Strategic Foresight
Decoding systems, opportunities, and pathways.
Vision
Seeing the future clearly — even when others can’t.
Our Philosophy
Our thoughts shape our identity, and our identity shapes our destiny.
We see pain in the world because so many of us are still hurting within — healing the inner world is how we transform the outer one.
When the mind aligns with purpose and the heart returns to love, the path opens and the world changes with us.
— Our Core Belief
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
Eric Adams
Real Estate Director & Project Manager
Housing development and community planning
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.