Why does Nicholas provide summer camps?
Serving is in his DNA.
He is an activist seeking to build a better society for all and right the wrongs of discrimination.
Serving and helping at-risk Youth saved Nicholas.
Nicholas was born on November 29th, 1981 in Peoria, Illinois. Nicholas never knew his father. His father was a member of a gang and died in the streets.
His mother, Martha Louise Thomas, was incarcerated for prostitution and petty crimes and institutionalized for mental illness for most for Nicholas’ early life. She died in 2016 from a drug overdose.
Nicholas lived in many foster homes until he was adopted by Elijah and Emma J. Crutcher. This provided a foundation of love and hope.
Nicholas was jumped into his father’s gang at an early age and became a product of the streets.
At the age of 15, Nicholas knew he had to escape the gang and street environment. Two key mentors, Pastor Thurston Hunt and Rev. Leon Gatlin gave him the chance to escape.
Nicholas had studied history and the teachings of masters such as Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcom X. The TV mini series “Roots” also had an influence.
In the summer of 1996, Nicholas was given the chance to teach the youth during a summer camp held at Grace Missionary Baptist Church. This was the start of the “Movement” which later became Cornerstone Movement.
