A Birthday Reflection & A Call to Action
First, let me start with gratitude.
To everyone who called, texted, emailed, DM’d, wrote on my wall, posted online, or even just thought of me for a moment—thank you for acknowledging me. I don’t take it lightly.
Turning 40 years old is an accomplishment. That’s four decades of life, lessons, wins, and battles. I was born October 1st, 1985 at Roosevelt HS in New York, NY. If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: time flies faster than you can imagine, and the richest part of life is living in your purpose.
Why I Write Again
It’s been a minute since I sat down and really wrote like this. Truth is, I stopped for a while. I felt like all my words, all my outreach, weren’t connecting deeply enough to create meaningful change. But I can’t let that stop me.
Because JustINSPIRE Mentoring isn’t just another mentoring company—it’s a mission to reach the world. That’s ambition. That’s always been me. And looking back, I see that my greatest shortcomings only came when I wasn’t brave enough to stand fully in my ambition.
The last three years in Baltimore have tested me. At times it’s been frustrating, exhausting, even punishing. But I’m still here. Still rising. Still eager. I’ve learned that even if no one else can see the progress, I can.
Lessons from 40 Years
We all have those moments where we say, “If I only knew then what I know now…” But I also know I wouldn’t be who I am without the failures, the embarrassing moments, the falls, and the near-defeats.
It was those moments that could’ve broken me—mentally, morally, spiritually—that instead forged me. That’s why today, even when I feel behind on the scoreboard, I remind myself: one play can change the game.
And honestly, how could I ever stand before my fellow man with confidence if I didn’t have the scars, the ashes, the testimony of rising again and again?
Turning 40 Into Purpose
To celebrate my birthday, I want to go beyond cake and candles. I want to tie this milestone to something greater: building the future of JustINSPIRE Mentoring.
This month, I dropped a special capsule: 40 Years and Going Justin.
It’s more than merch—it’s a message. Every piece is a reminder that:
“Life doesn’t get easier, bro… we just get stronger.”
All proceeds go directly into expanding our work:
- 📚 Launching our Book Club in November with The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- 🚌 Taking a group trip to Harlem to visit the Malcolm X Memorial Center
- 👥 Hiring and onboarding mentors (requires background checks & training)
- ✍🏽 Printing custom journals and agenda books for youth participants
- 🏢 Securing a safe and professional space for mentoring & events
- 💻 Further developing our online mentoring chat platform for real-time youth support
I’m not a nonprofit (yet). I’m building this through my own labor, creativity, and hustle. Instead of a GoFundMe, I wanted to create something tangible—something you can wear proudly while knowing you’re directly fueling change.
Signature Pieces from the Capsule
- 🧶 Knit Sweater Vest – $85
- 🧥 Signature Cardigan – $85
- 🧢 Dad Cap: Strength & Value – $40
- 👕 Full-design T-Shirt – $40
- 👕 Crew Neck Sweatshirt – $85
➡️ Shop the full collection here: 40 Years and Going Justin
Every purchase supports JustINSPIRE, covers bills, and funds the future of mentoring in Baltimore and beyond. Plus, anyone who supports gets access to comp sessions as a thank-you.
Looking Ahead
My next step is partnering with schools around me, securing a safe space, and scaling JustINSPIRE Mentoring into both a for-profit and foundation arm. That means more events, more programs, and more breakthroughs for youth.
This is not just about me—it’s about us. About community. About standing in purpose together.
Thank you for walking with me. Thank you for celebrating with me. And thank you in advance for supporting this mission.
Be Wise. Be True.
— Justin H. Tucker, MA, MEd
PS. I am still on a goal to build to my Youtube Platform, the subscriptions help and it’s free guys please scan the QR Code and tell a friend to do the same.
