MARCUS BOYD: REBUILDING FROM THE ASHES
As a publisher, I take great pride in this publication and the individuals we decide upon featuring. For me, it is truly an honor to be a part of the present day journey of black media, and in this day, it has become increasingly important what and who we decide to cover and spotlight. That holds true and imperial when it comes to U.G. Digital Media & Publishings. One of our biggest goals with this publication in all its forms has been to motivate and inspire our culture. We obviously want to entertain you by all means necessary, but we’re highly contentious in regard to the way we do that, and who we choose to do that with. Just a bit over a month ago, I introduced many of you to Mr. Marcus Boyd, who in every sense imaginable is truly phenomenal. This is a brother who despite the blows that life has dealt him from the very beginning, it chose to persevere in every way. If you have listened to my podcast, The Real Deal with James, you’ve heard his story. As a product of the foster care system, and living his entire life with Autism, many expected he was doomed from the very beginning. Much like many in this situation, his fate was seemingly sealed from the start, if it had been left up to doctors, family, and anyone witnessing his battles in early life. Marcus was one to create his own destiny, however. He made up his mind for himself, that his
future was bright as ever, and he set his own goals in life. He has conquered everything from the music industry, to being an author, and being strong advocate for Autism, but it doesn’t stop there. He has so many other things that he’s not only accomplished in his life, but even more that he’s working on. This truly is a story ofBoyd rebuilding his life from the ashes. As we’re born into this wicked world, the idea and expectation is that we will receive that undeniable love, and be provided with the full-on resources we need to grow and live a productive life. Clearly, Boyd was not provided with those tools. He was not given the love that he needed in his formative years. He had no teaching of what family was. He was ultimately forced to learn that on his own, and find that love within himself. God truly had a plan for him, as you’ll learn, and no matter what you do, there’s no way to divert God from his plan. What’s for you is absolutely for you. His life is a triumph in every sense of the word.
This feature is a part two to our conversation last month, which you can still listen to via link right here in this site. If you’re just now coming on board, allow me once again, to introduce you to Mr. Marcus Boyd!
U.G. Digital Magazine: So I think this is really good man. I'm really excited all over again. It's like just like we have never talked before. I think this was really cool to connect with you again and really speak just on everything that you're doing for Autism awareness and as a whole. Obviously you've tapped into, you know, the entertainment business as well over the years too. So, as you know, I definitely relate to that side of everything you've done in that realm, but I think there definitely needs to be more conversation centered around Autism Awareness. I think so many of our kids deal with Autism and it's just not really spoken about, aside from those few people saying that, hey, my child is on the spectrum or my child is Autistic. Certainly it’s a topic of conversation, but it could be a lot more focus on that. I believe it's amazing for people to be able to see everything that you've done out here. In the beginning, people probably told you that, well, you won't be able to do certain things. You won't accomplish this, you want to accomplish that and you kind of surpassed everything that that anybody has said. I would love for you to begin by telling everybody who you are, what you do, and how you arrived at this point.
Marcus Boyd: My name is Marcus Leonardo Boyd. I am an Autism Activist. I am a music producer & composer of almost twenty-three years. I have a shoe line, and I have a clothing line called the A-Collection. Let's see here. I have a coloring book called Marcus the Superhero. We’re working on my autobiography, a children's book I have which I'm about to release. Next year we’ll have an Autism 3-day music festival, for all the Disability, and Special Needs communities. So, we’re bringing everybody together and I have the short film, The Boy with No Voice, you know, that's was massively produced in Atlanta, by the award-winning, Tina Bridges of TLB Productions, and you know, we’re working on the television series, and I am a full-time award-winning Autism Activist.
U.G. Digital Magazine: So of all the things you have going on, did you see all of this coming together? Clothing line, shoe line, music producing, and not just for up and coming artists, but Raekwon, Lil’ Wayne, Mary J Blige, Dungeon Family, Eric Roberson, Phonté, Bun B, and so many others.
Marcus Boyd: Yes, God has really blessed me to be able to work with extraordinary talent. Regardless of my Autism, not was based strictly on the music.
U.G. Digital Magazine: I think it is amazing. You should people they can beat the odds and accomplish the things they want. I would love for you to take us back to the beginning. You were separated at a young age from your biological parents. What happened around all of that?
Marcus Boyd: I was four years old, and there was a lot of abuse at the hands of my biological father. We’re talking specifically about being burned on the stove, breaking my ribs, being pee’d on for touching his Nintendo, to being slapped over the couch. He pointed a gun to my forehead and kept pulling the trigger but it jammed. Tina, who was my biological mother, was standing outside on the steps while he was pistol-whipping me. The neighbors came out and stopped him. The cops were called, but she didn’t do anything to stop him.
U.G. Digital Magazine: Wow. It’s just so unbelievable. Even hearing this, because we just talked a few weeks ago, and we didn’t go into this much depth on the actual events. It’s just so horrible. So you were separated at the age of four, and that’s when you entered foster care?
Marcus Boyd: Yes, and this was in Dekalb County. There was a Caucasian little girl, and there was me.
U.G. Digital Magazine: Wow! Just to hear it in detail is gut-wrenching. It definitely tugs at the heart. In what ways do you feel; today, that these events have shaped your life?
Marcus Boyd: I’ll definitely answer that question, but I’ll also say this: Tina and Tommy (father) had 22 kids. Those other kids didn’t have the same problems as I. I’m not in any way trying to take up for them, but one kid alone can be strenuous. Add 21 more, with no job, no ends meeting, or anything else. The thing I learned is no one will love me more than I can love myself. I didn’t know what family meant because my blood wasn’t family. Your blood isn’t always your family. The people who love and support you are your family.
U.G. Digital Magazine: Absolutely. I realize you went through several foster and group homes. When was it that you made it to your final home?
Marcus Boyd: The Barnes; Jackie Barnes, Benny Barnes, out in Atlanta Georgia, I was with them a while. Prior to that, I was from home to home. They were the closest to a perfect family. Til’ this day, that’s still my mother. I just talked to them two weeks ago.
U.G. Digital Magazine: It’s really amazing. How long did it take for you to be placed in their home?
Marcus Boyd: I would say about 6 - 7 years.
U.G. Digital Magazine: What do you remember going through your mind?
Marcus Boyd: I was just worried about being beat, locked in basements, tied to furnaces, not eating, starving…
U.G. Digital Magazine: Was there still abuse even after being separated from your parents?
Marcus Boyd: Oh yes, and again, I don’t know how it works now, but in that day, foster care was not a pretty ticket.
U.G. Digital Magazine: I would imagine there are still situations like that. Regardless of any criteria for adopting, people obviously slip through the cracks.
Marcus Boyd: I would agree completely.
U.G. Digital Magazine: It’s amazing to see your life today. I can only take my hats off to you and applaud you for everything you have accomplished.
Marcus Boyd: Don’t get me wrong; I was definitely broken for some time. I’ve tried to commit suicide 54 times in my 39 years. I’ve had liquid charcoal, cut myself, drank bleach, hang myself, drown myself, been hit by a car… I’ve tried everything I could to get out of here. I was so depressed. I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t have anyone to support me, plus I have Autism.
U.G. Digital Magazine: What was the turning point?
Marcus Boyd: My grandmother passed away when I was 23, 24.. she had everyone leave the room and asked for me. Her last words word for me not to let my disability make room at anyone’s dinner table. Be the leader that she and God knew I could be. At the end of the day, I was in the streets for a minute. After that, I tried to change my life because I did not want to dishonor her.
U.G. Digital Magazine: That’s amazing. I can tell your grandmother was a beautiful woman and spirit. The fact that she gave you that wisdom on her death bead is amazing. I’m happy this was able to turn you in a new direction. You’ve inspired so many. The world is winning because of you. How did you end up venturing into the production world?
Marcus Boyd: A cousin of mine knew a group of producers, and he told them how I loved music. It was almost like a babysitting thing. They were supposed to be babysitting me, and they ultimately taught me what I know. They gave me my first laptop, and showed me BPM, melodies, harmonies, how to blend, and master. How to add samples, and different keys. I really got into it heavy at that point. I always loved music, but I got heavy with it around 1996, 97, and 98.
U.G. Digital Magazine: For as long as you’ve done it, you’ve don’t so much. You’ve even had top hits in the UK, right?
Marcus Boyd: It was working with Mary J. Blige, Mobb Deep, and Raekwon. Having these songs cross over to the UK, it was such an amazing feeling. Years later, I’m still excited. I’m not doing it as much now, but it’s still amazing. At this point, I do it more to bless artists, and help them get quality music so they can pursue their dreams.
U.G. Digital Magazine: So dope. Now you also have your autobiography coming, right?
Marcus Boyd: Yes, “The Boy with No Voice”. It’ll tell my full story, my trials and all. You’ll laugh and cry both, but it’s my truth and reality.
U.G. Digital Magazine: What’s your goal for your autobiography?
Marcus Boyd: I really want it to show the autism world or anyone what you can do when you put God, faith, and determination first. I wear the Autism flag proudly, but I want to show what God and Faith will do for you.
U.G. Digital Magazine: That is absolutely true. There’s so much that can be accomplished.
Marcus Boyd: Absolutely. You just have to be diligent. Your dreams come true when you believe and you have support.
U.G. Digital Magazine: When do you plan to release that?
Marcus Boyd: It’ll be next year. The short film is already on Youtube. Next year we’ll have a television series, and we’ll have the Autism music fest. You can be cool, and fly. You don’t have to live in that diagnosis.
U.G. Digital Magazine: This is so great. I will definitely get that up on the site. How long is it?
Marcus Boyd: It’s about 19 minutes. The award-winning Tina Bridges from TLB Productions shot it. It focuses on some of my life experiences with Autism. It’s going to major film festivals and everything.
U.G. Digital Magazine: What other things are happening for you and coming up next for every to look for this summer?
Marcus Boyd: The coloring book is coming. That’ll be available online. We’ll be doing more speaking engagements to empower the Autism community. New music is on the way, and a children’s book.
U.G. Digital Magazine: Have you considered getting more celebrities involved? There’s so many who deal with Autism with their children.
Marcus Boyd: I’m down to work with everyone. I want Autism families. That’s all!
U.G. Digital Magazine: So powerful. Where can people find more about you and your involvement as an Autism Activist?
Marcus Boyd: The website is coming soon. It’ll be www.autismactivistmarcusboyd.com, on Facebook its MarcusLeonardoBoyd, Instagram is AutismActivistMarcusBoyd, same on Twitter. Or they can call me at 479-225-0534. I’m very reachable!
U.G. Digital Magazine: Any final comments at all?
Marcus Boyd: Let's not look at this as a month. Let's look at this as being every day. 365 days a year. Everyday is Autism Awareness. So for those who have autism, you are creative. You're smart. You're intelligent, you’re fun, and you’re beautiful. You can do anything with God. As long as you have faith and your family, you can do anything. I believe in you. I stand by you!