Today we’d like to introduce you to Deon Generette
Hi Deon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen was established in 2016. After the loss of his father, Pastor Samuel L. Generette, in 2009 at the age of 49, and returning from Iraq, the founder, and Iraq War Veteran, Deon Generette, underwent extensive PTSD and grief counseling. Through therapy, he was encouraged to pay homage to his father by honoring his legacy. His father had been a crucial figure not only in the family but also in the community. On the night of his father’s passing, an older gentleman highlighted that his mentorship and teachings were the guiding force behind his development and success as a man.
Our founder applied what he had learned from his father and the lessons he had acquired in his absence. He collaborated with other nonprofit initiatives and community leaders to continue the mission of impacting young men’s lives.
He returned to his first love of creativity and created 7Sunday, the best recurring live themed music show in the Carolinas and beyond, which features independent and Grammy-winning creatives. Every anniversary, they raise funds to support Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering young men through mentoring, life skills education, financial literacy, etiquette, entrepreneurship, and more. The goal of this initiative is to mold young men into individuals of character, legacy, and vision.
This initiative has served over 500 young men in Florence and Richland counties, as well as in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mecklenburg County, awarding over $10,000 in scholarships. These Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen are now in college and serving in various fields, continuing to make a significant impact. We look forward to continuing our mission as we prepare to host our 2025 Summer Camps and Banquet in Columbia, Johnsonville, and Charlotte, NC. Additionally, we are preparing to integrate the curriculum into schools across the Carolinas to further empower young men.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A smooth road? I think most grassroots organizations would agree that it’s never ‘smooth!’ Our work has been organic, often lacking financial support beyond what the community and 7Sunday contribute to our events.
Funding is always the central challenge for these initiatives. Despite this, we excel in social capital and building relationships with the community, schools and administrators.
Given the mission of DDG, the struggles are essential because our ultimate goal is to empower young men to realize their full potential and pursue it with intention. In the upcoming year, we plan to seek grants and funding from other sources to expand our program and provide more opportunities.
Sometimes it’s challenging to reach those who would benefit most due to lack of resources stemming from funding limitations. However, our focus remains on the young men. At the end of the day, it’s about impacting one child’s life at a time, which will, in turn, affect the family, the community, the state, and the world!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Deon Generette, a driven individual with a profound sense of purpose, stands as the founder of 7Sunday/7Sunday Live, LLC, and Dapper and Distinguished Gentlemen (DDG). His journey is a tapestry woven with threads of philanthropy, education, and community service. A proud alumnus of the University of South Carolina, Deon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and an MBA from Strayer University, alongside a distinguished eight-year service in the United States Army as an Iraqi War veteran.
Through DDG, Deon empowers young men aged 10-18, instilling values of character, financial literacy, and leadership. His relentless mentoring efforts have touched numerous organizations, including the South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy and local schools. 7Sunday Live, which he launched in 2019, has transformed into a significant platform for artists, reaching over 200,000 viewers and expanding into five U.S. markets. Recognized for his impactful initiatives, Deon has brought documentaries and cultural events to the forefront, celebrating historical significance and entrepreneurship. All of these are done by collaborative efforts of other small business creatives and community.
Living by the mantra, “You are your only opponent,” Deon embodies self-empowerment and an unwavering commitment to service, ensuring his legacy resonates far beyond his immediate community.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I told a childhood friend I was going to be a part of a community basketball team. The Saturday for practice I forgot. I couldn’t been anymore than 10 years of age. My father made me get up and rushed us downtown. Upon dropping me off, he looked in the backseat as if he was going to hurt me and said, “Don’t ever tell someone you’re going to do something and NOT do it!” And then told me to get out!
Or
Sundays! Awaking and hearing gospel music. Coming together as a family. Church service with my mother over the music ministry and my father preaching the word. Amongst family and friends. Sunday evenings, I’d find myself in the bedroom with my stereo listening to the big DM’s quiet storm.
Pricing:
- DDG Visit website to donate for Summer Camps & Banquet
- 7Sunday Visit website and follow on social media for prices and events
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ddgentlemen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddgent?igsh=eXkydnk3bnc2czZt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HNWfKkKMu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deon-generette-716b191b1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/ddgent3?s=21&t=v6qSCESy_EvCeNlh9-WTEg
