In the latest episode of "We Live in Color," host Deaunte Damper engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Darius Thompson, a dedicated community leader, social worker, and minister who joined Damper to highlight his remarkable journey from the depths of addiction and incarceration to finding his true calling in helping others through his organization: Push Start Ministries.

Thompson grew up in Cocoa, Florida, and is the oldest of seven siblings. Raised by a young single mother, he quickly learned the importance of responsibility, often stepping in to help care for his brothers and sister. 

Reflecting on his childhood, Thompson shared, "Me having to grow up fast, learning responsibility, being able to be there to support my mother," Thompson said. "It was a challenge. It was a challenge because I was at an age to where I had to learn how to make bottles and change diapers and things of that nature."

Despite his efforts to support his family, due to his environment and a lack of role models, Thompson found himself making poor decisions, leading to substance abuse. 

"I started doing those drugs and that's only because sometimes when people start doing those things, they are crying out for help," Thompson said. "In that moment, I was kind of lost. I didn't have direction. My father had been in prison, and my mom had been a single parent. That kind of weighed in on me."

Thompson's path eventually led him to prison, a place he describes as both isolating and transformative. 

"When being in that place, it could make you or break you. I didn't know what to expect going to prison. I did jail time, in and out of jail time a lot, but going to a place where I really have to sit down for a numerous amount of years, three years, I didn't know what to expect," Thompson said. "But that place, I got to learn who Darius was. I got to learn my weaknesses. I got to learn my strengths."

During his three-year sentence, Thompson reconnected with his faith stronger than ever and began understanding his purpose. 

"I knew who God was, but that was a time where I needed to sit down because he had a plan for me, Thompson said. "So as I'm in that place, I was able to be a leader in there as well because I started to find myself. So now my light is beginning to shine in a dark place."

After his release, Thompson faced the challenge of reintegrating into society. Despite initial setbacks, he made a life-changing decision to enter rehab and later moved to Seattle to escape the familiar environment that had contributed to his struggles. "I needed to leave what was familiar. Sometimes, we could be in a place where we're so familiar, and we can get stuck, and I didn't want to continue to make left turns," he explained.

The move to Seattle marked a new chapter in Thompson's life. He embraced the opportunity to start fresh and began using his experiences to help others. The isolation of the pandemic posed new challenges. Still, Thompson remained steadfast, using online platforms to share his story and inspire others, so he founded Push Start Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals heal and become whole. The ministry's motto, "Being healed, becoming whole, to walk in newness of life," reflects Thompson's own path and the importance of the journey, not just the destination. Alongside his ministry, he now works as a social worker assistant, advocating for those living with HIV, something he himself has and continues to use his voice to uplift and guide others.

"I myself have been living with HIV for almost 20 years. I'm a 36-year-old man, and this is my first time ever talking about this publicly, but everything happens for a reason," Thompson said. "I would say, just go get tested and take care of yourself because you matter. You can live a long time and still continue to do what you want to do."

As with every episode of WLIC, Thompson cited his WLIC tribute, this time in the form of two inspirations: Miss Olivet and Converge's own Deaunte Damper for their unwavering support and encouragement when he first arrived in Seattle. 

"When I first transitioned here to Seattle, you guys pushed me to the core. Y'all seen something in me that I was trying to see in myself. I was still a little shaky, and you guys helped me," Thompson said. "You guys pushed me. You built me. You didn't tear me down, and you told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. So I want to tribute you guys."

As Darius continues his journey, he remains committed to helping others heal and find their purpose. For more information on Push Start Ministries and to connect with Thompson, you can email him at dariuslthompson33@gmail.com and pushstartministries@gmail.com.

Tune in to We Live In Color with Deaunte every Thursday on all Converge Media platforms for more engaging conversations with inspiring guests like Darius to hear more about advocacy, inclusivity, and living life in color!