Voices of Valor: Dr. Vondale Singleton and the Literary Legacy of CHAMPS

In the story of Dr. Vondale Singleton, triumph is not a conclusion—it’s a commitment. From the shadows of Chicago’s Ida B. Wells housing projects to the global impact of his pen and voice, Dr. Vondale Singleton is a living testament to the power of redemption, resilience, and representation. As an award-winning educator, faith-driven leader, and now a rising author, Dr. Singleton has transformed his pain into purpose—writing not only books but also better futures for young Black men across the country.

Born into adversity, Dr. Singleton lost his mother to the crack epidemic at age 14 and navigated high school with an incarcerated father. Yet, in those darkest hours, the seed of greatness took root. A mentor named Steven Robertson extended a lifeline—investing in Dr. Singleton’s education, introducing him to Christ, and teaching him that leadership isn’t about the spotlight, but about legacy.

It was in that spirit that CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program was born. With the mantra “Salvation plus education is an unbeatable combination,” Dr. Singleton built CHAMPS to empower Boys and Young Men of Color to become “culturally responsible, accountable, motivated, and positioned to succeed.” More than 8,000 lives later, CHAMPS is not just a program—it is a movement. And now, as an author, Dr. Singleton is preserving its message in print for generations to come.

In a world where so many young Black voices are drowned out by cycles of trauma and systemic barriers, Dr. Singleton’s work echoes the very mission of The Atlanta Voice: “A people without a voice cannot be heard.” His words—both spoken and written—are amplifiers for those still learning how to speak truth to power.

From the White House Film Festival to Emmy-nominated documentaries, Dr. Singleton has mastered the art of storytelling as a tool for change. But he is quick to remind others that awards are not the goal—impact is. “Legacy isn’t something I chase,” he says. “It’s something I live daily—through service, through love, and through the belief that our collective future is worth fighting for.”

Dr. Singleton’s books and forthcoming literary projects are deeply rooted in this belief. They are not just inspirational—they are instructional. They blend memoir, mentorship, and motivation to guide the next generation through their own valleys, equipping them with the tools to rise.

His journey hasn’t been without challenge. As a Black leader in education and nonprofit spaces, Dr. Singleton faced implicit bias, lack of access to networks, and the crushing weight of representation. “I wasn’t just walking in rooms for myself—I was representing my entire community,” he says. But with faith as his foundation, and mentors like Clarence Boyd and Larry Miller in his corner, he overcame—rising not to escape the struggle but to change it for others.

Now, through his authorship, Dr. Singleton brings Atlanta into the fold of his national impact. Though his roots are in Chicago, his branches are far-reaching. His partnerships with youth development organizations, his thought leadership in educational equity, and his commitment to holistic growth resonate deeply with Atlanta’s Black community.

To aspiring leaders and storytellers, Dr. Singleton offers this: “You don’t have to wait to be great. Lead with integrity, invest in yourself, and start where you are. Someone’s healing is on the other side of your voice.”

And to the readers of ATL Black Voices Magazine, he sends a call to action: “Pick up your pen. Share your story. Build the future. We are the voices we’ve been waiting for.”

About Dr. Vondale E. Singleton Sr.

Dr. Vondale E. Singleton is the founder and CEO of CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program and a nationally recognized author, educator, and faith-based leader. After rising from a childhood marked by trauma and adversity in Chicago, he earned degrees in education and family therapy and began a lifelong mission to empower young men of color. His work has earned accolades from President Barack Obama, the Chicago Defender, and the Emmy Awards, among others. As an author, Dr. Singleton uses his voice to inspire transformation and equity, making him a beacon of hope and leadership in the Black community and beyond.