Chris Gardner Speaks at Hales’ Speaker Series

Chris Gardner – Photo Credit: Lawrence Nalls, Forty Photography

CHICAGO, Illinois – As Hales Franciscan High School enters its 46^th year of service in pursuit of excellence to ‘In Virum Perfectum’ (“Unto Perfect Manhood”), it emerges with greater resilience and a renewed focus on its core mission – providing quality college preparatory education. Hales is a historically African-American all-boys school. Under the dynamic leadership of Principal Arthur Reliford and his outstanding staff, Hales has improved immensely.

This school year, Hales launched its monthly Speakers Series which introduces the primarily African American young men to an open discussion led by prominent national and international personalities speaking on topics such as student development, public service, politics, health, business, pressing contemporary ethical and social concern and the arts.

During this school year, a diverse group of very distinguished individuals are expected to share their stories, and insights with the students and their parents.

Hales’ most recent speaker was Chris Gardner. In his candid talk with the

Adama Moye, Chris Gardner and Charles Mombo

students, Mr. Gardner told them to stay in school. “It’s what will give you options. You don’t want to try to do this thing the way that I did. what is the secret to success. The secret is there is no secret. It’s the basics. Blocking and tackling,” he also added “find something that you love. Something that gets you so excited you can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning. Forget about money. Be happy. The money thing will come. I know so many people who have so much more money than I. They are miserable. It is so important to be happy.”

Mr. Gardner also offered his unique perspective on family. He added “When I look back at the journey from homelessness to prosperity, I hold one thing dearer than all else – my commitment to my son. Doing a movie with the top movie star portraying me, doing a book with an editor who’s last book won the Pulitzer Prize – all that stuff is great, but the most important thing that I will have ever done in my life was break the cycle of men who were not there for their children.” Chris Gardner is the owner and CEO of Gardner Rich with offices in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. Conquering grave challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, Gardner is an avid motivational and aspirational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles. Gardner is also a passionate philanthropist whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations.

Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Gardner’s childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual abuse and family illiteracy. Gardner published his autobiography out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. Gardner never knew his father, and lived with his beloved mother, Bettye Jean Triplett, when not in foster homes. Gardner is indebted to her for his success as she provided him with strong "spiritual genetics" and taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and attain whatever goals he set for himself.

The amazing story of Gardner’s life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. In paperback, the book spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into fourteen languages.

Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness", released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. The movie is the #2 all-time domestic grossing drama. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance. Gardner was an associate producer on the film.

To Make a contribution to Hales Franciscan High School: http://www.halesfranciscan.org/

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