King Tone
Antonio Fernandez
Keynote Speaker
Description of the topics you speak on
Previous Speaking Events
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ASERIOUSTONE
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Who is King Tone?
The Work He Did Before the Movement Began to Leading the Movement
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From 1995- Till Now
2024
A New Chapter: Returning to Serve
Upon his release, King Tone began rebuilding his life and credibility within the community. He worked tirelessly to prove he was a changed man, using his experiences to support others facing the same challenges he had overcome.
Establishing a Mission: Grow Up Grow Out
Antonio "King Tone" Fernandez founded Grow Up Grow Out, a for-profit entity dedicated to community transformation. Partnering with organizations and communities in Washington, D.C., the initiative focused on mentorship, credible messengers, and systemic change.
2018
Going Global: International Expansion
Grow Up Grow Out went international, establishing systems and offering support in Spain, Ecuador, and Sweden. The organization played a critical role in creating social systems that prioritized people over oppressive regimes.
Transforming Power into Service: The Latin Kings
Antonio "King Tone" Fernandez transformed the Latin Kings from a power group into a community-driven resource providing services and support. Under his leadership, the organization united mothers across New York City to form a coalition fighting against oppression and advocating for justice for mothers who had lost their children.
1998
2009
Targeted for Change: Sentencing and Incarceration
Seen as a threat for his influence and advocacy, Antonio "King Tone" Fernandez was sentenced to 12-15 years in prison. This marked a turning point in his life and the beginning of a journey of reflection and transformation.
1992
National Recognition: The First Convening
The first National Credible Messenger Convening was held in Washington, D.C., and brought together over 1,000 Credible Messengers from across the country. This monumental event united stakeholders, advocates, and practitioners to advance the movement's vision, share best practices, and strengthen their collective impact.
Building for the Future: Grow Up Grow Out Jr.
The nonprofit Grow Up Grow Out Jr. was established to support youth and prevent them from falling into the system. By providing mentorship and guidance, the initiative aimed to catch vulnerable young people before they faced the challenges King Tone had experienced, offering them a pathway to success.