Our Committees
Housing
Youth
Education
Economic Development
Innovation and Technology
Vision
To advance the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through tangible solutions that build economic opportunity, empower youth, foster equity, and uplift communities across Connecticut — and to use the philosophy and approach of Mr. Deivone M. Tanksley Sr. to help transform communities with big, bold ideas and solutions.
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
Integrity
Respect
Love
Justice
Creativity
Empowerment
Faith and Purpose
Unity
Our Strengths
Vision
Fearless pursuit of progress
Thinking big
Bold action
Our Philosophy
"We become what we think about."
— 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
Vice President & Program Director
Program director and facility manager
Eric Adams
Director of Real Estate & Development
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.