Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Perry
Hi Antonio, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Antonio Perry, but I’m known as Tony, or the Ghetto Activist online. I’m a self-taught historian who has made it my mission to counter the thousands of years of misinformation, degradation, and systemic oppression in Black history. I’ve been doing this through my blog, which I created three years ago and has since become a significant platform for change.
I have spent some time in educational spaces, particularly during my first two years of undergrad at Greenville University, where I studied History Education. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, I transferred from Greenville to St. Louis’s one and only HBCU, Harris Stowe State University. Along with the transfer to HSSU, I also changed my major from education to business. I graduated from HSSU in 2016 with a B.S.> in Business administration with a minor in Marketing. Although professionally, I focused my career on business, my passion for history and teaching remained. While at HSSU, I would write extensive essays discussing how historical events in American history affected today’s society. While writing these essays (still on a flash drive), I often used the alias The Ghetto Activist. After graduating, the essays turned into FB rants until my wife (then girlfriend) suggested I make a blog, and that’s how the blog theghettoactivist.com was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many journeys, there have been some ups and downs. Growth on various social media platforms takes time to happen. It takes a ton of work and luck, especially if you’re doing everything yourself, which is the case in my situation. I also work a 9-5 outside of TGA, which makes things even more challenging regarding how much time and effort has to go into managing several accounts.
Outside of the physical labor, there is also the mental toll of creating content that exposes horrific, dark, and extremely graphic history. I own an extensive library comprised of hundreds of books, many of which are no longer in publication. I use these books as source materials for content, and many of them shine a light on histories so dark that I have to read them in parts.
There are also struggles connected to the financial aspect of things. Since the content I share online is often dark and controversial, most of it gets demonetized, making it difficult to make the money needed to create the type of content I share. Books are expensive, especially the ones that are no longer in publication. The various applications I use, such as Grammarly for professionals, Inshot Pro, and Cavan Pro, cost money. Thankfully, I have a very supportive community that supports me monetarily through Patreon. Without their continued support, this journey might’ve ended a long time ago.
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?
What do I specialize in? Creating thought-provoking content that centers Black history and challenges one’s racial biases within a society dominated by white supremacy.
What am I known for? – Being unapologetically Black and creating credible, easily digestible content.
What are you most proud of? – Creating platforms where people can learn and unlearn the B.S. while fostering an environment where those same people can share their thoughts respectfully.
What sets me apart from others? – Unlike other accounts, my content features tons of source materials, including books and clips from various documentaries, effectively accommodating people’s various learning styles.
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I was super active outside. I’m a proud ’90s baby (born in 91′), so most of my adolescence was spent outside playing with friends. I was also into sports, specifically basketball and track. I played basketball all through high school and ran track, and I also played basketball at the collegiate level during my two years at Greenville.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theghettoactivist.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theghettoactivist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealghettoactivist
- Twitter: https://x.com/GhettoActivist
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/theghettoactivist
