Today we’d like to introduce you to Marius Williams.
Hi Marius, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always been the one to help everyone and volunteer in the community from high school through college and my adult years. I’ve been playing basketball my entire life. Through my years of becoming better at basketball, I’ve met a lot of people. I’ve always been there for any and everyone.
A couple of years back, I was in a bad car accident where I pretty much broke everything in my body from my ankle, hip, and back, messed up my head bruised my eternal organs, and was temporarily paralyzed. Through that time no one was there not family, gf or anyone. Made me realize that my whole life I’ve been there for everyone trying to feel important but I’ve always been alone. Also, I was dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts from an early age. I became more depressed, and alone and did not want to be here anymore. I contemplated time after time about harming myself. Every time I looked at my phone it was more bad news. Nothing was ever good so I never left my house. But something clicked one day. Every song I listened to, every movie I watched, and everything I saw in life gave me signs to get up and do something to make a difference.
I thought about all the people who were proud of what I was doing as far as basketball. What kids looked up to me and who do they have to talk to or seek help when they are dealing with the same thing I have been dealing with or worse? Most likely it’s no one because we weren’t taught what to do in those situations or did someone even care. So I got up and did whatever it took to get back good physically and mentally and started back to being somewhat social again. Then researched how I could help the city and the world. Not just a specific race or age group but everyone.
How can I give information on mental health and suicide prevention, if I make long posts and pass out pamphlets people most likely won’t read? So I decided to come up with a brand where I put a message on all the clothes about mental health. But that’s not good enough so I said let’s start a charity foundation but what do I call it? What have I always wanted for people to care about me and be there to show Genuine love for me and never stop?
That’s it Genuine Love Foundation, I want to be bigger than any foundation ever. But do you know how St. Jude helps people exactly? They pay for all things to make the person better so the patient will never see a bill. Let’s do that. Let’s also go around mentoring and speaking with groups, teams, and individuals. Let’s also host events to raise money and bring awareness for everyone to use because we all deserve genuine love.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I found myself paying for everything out of my pocket. No sponsors little to no donations. People do seem to not care. People have stolen from me. Events didn’t go well. Life was kicking me down and trying to keep me down.
Felt like this wasn’t something that could be done. I felt like giving up. But then someway I have the strength to not give up because we all need this. Someone saw my foundation and I connected with someone along the way and things slowly started to pick up. I can’t give up, I used to think I was put on earth to play basketball but no, I was put here for the Genuine Love Foundation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was born and raised in Memphis Tennesee. I attended Westwood High School where I had aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player.
After high school, I attended Dyersburg State Community College where I attained an associate degree in criminal justice then later transferred to Hiwassee College where I obtained a bachelor’s in business. I won a conference championship in my junior year and my first year at that school. I’m currently back at my old high school teaching sped and coaching boys basketball. I used to be known only for basketball but now people refer to me as Genuine Love which is one of my biggest accomplishments so far knowing that I’m making a difference.
Also being a great dad. And growing even better every day. What sets me apart from others is that it seems no one else is doing what I’m doing or trying to do it when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention. I eat, sleep, and breathe this and I’m not stopping until I’m global and we are changing lives for the better around the world. Growing my celebrity charity basketball games which are getting better each year.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
By reaching out on our website at genuinelovefoundation.org via Facebook and Instagram at Genuine Love Foundation.
By email at Genuinelovefoundation@outlook.com or phone number (901)558-9968. Or which out to my P/R Brandi Lynn (562)-483-3652 or email brandilynnpr@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: Genuinelovefoundation.org
- Instagram: @Genuinelovefoundation
- Facebook: @Genuinelovefoundation
