Deivone M. Tanksley Sr.

Bio:
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. After earning his way back from a troubled past, Deivone founded New Britain Legacies in 2016 — a youth-focused nonprofit that provided mentorship, basketball, job training, and hope to hundreds of underserved youth. What started as a safe space for young
people has grown into a movement that now leads one of Connecticut’s most ambitious community development initiatives. Today, as Founder and CEO of CT MLK Legacies Corp, Deivone is using his lived
experience, street wisdom, and leadership philosophy to build real change: affordable housing, education centers, tech hubs, youth programs, and economic opportunity — all rooted in love, vision, and legacy.

His Philosophy:
“We become what we think about.” Deivone’s leadership is guided by the law of cause and effect. He teaches
that our thoughts shape our world, and that true change starts within — then radiates out into our homes, our streets, and our systems.

His Vision & Mission:
Deivone’s mission is to turn Dr. King’s dream into a living, breathing blueprint — not just for New Britain, but for all of Connecticut. Through CT MLK Legacies Corp, his vision is to:
● Uplift underserved communities
● Build affordable housing and paths to ownership
● Empower youth and families with education, mentorship, and opportunity
● Create job pipelines and launch innovation centers
● Embrace the future of AI, tech, and creativity
● Unite people through purpose and rebuild the state — one block, one life, one
legacy at a time