Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald L. Dowridge, Jr..
Hi Donald L., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland to mother, Elizabeth Taylor and father, Donald L. Dowridge, Sr. By age of 5, in second foster home, which consisted of numerous accounts of abuse on my person. The nephew and his sister where the grown children of the care takers, Mr. & Mrs. Morris. While in this home in Turner’s Station, Maryland, and as a troubled child, I constantly found myself in trouble, low grades and expulsion on numerous occasions. During the tenure of 5 complete foster homes, I went through a period where human food was forbidden and was made to eat Alpo dog food (4th Foster Home). By 11 years old was beating with a fist repeatedly by the father of the home. On August 16, 1968 at age 12, my biological father retrieved me and took me to The Bronx, New York. During the course of time with him, he stabbed me 8 times. This would lead to finding refuge with one of the most dangerous gangs in the Bronx at the time (The Black Spades). Because of that venture it led me to Rikers Island Prison (Juvenile cell). Returning to the street did not assist in deduction from gang life until being severely stabbed by another gang (Savage Skulls) at age 17.
August 16th, 1974 found myself on a TWA flight headed to Tampa, Florida to live once again with my biological father until his departure back to The Bronx in October of that same year. His exit led to my dropping out of Hillsborough High School in the 12th grade. At this point drugs & alcohol became the norm. My Great Grandmother past while in my 19th year which took a lot out of me and left me depleted. By the age of 21 (and feeling like I owed her) enlisted into the U. S. Army with intentions to make it a career, unfortunately being injured, was discharged in 1983 at Fort Dix, New Jersey with 2 Honorable discharges.
I would be employed by the U. S. Post Office and quickly moving up the ranks to the First Black Male Manager of a department. One day being invited to speak at my son’s fifth grade class, my passion was discovered. November 22nd, 1996, I retired at 39 years old to really focus on being a Motivational Speaker for the youth. Established DLD (Determined to Learn and Develop) Enterprises here in Tampa. Since that time, 35 years later, have spoke, mentored, many of young & elder people to propel to their greatness every day of their lives with no regrets!!!
Besides speaking, I have been Blessed to gain recognition by 3 Presidents of these United States among other accolades. Within these 35 years, 14 books have been penned (The 13th The Power of Being Winner made the Barnes & Nobles Best Sellers List). Currently preparing to write the 15th book entitled, “50.” This literature will be about my fifty years of life here in Tampa.
February 2026 will represent 17 years as The 21st Century Frederick Douglass throughout America. This holiday season will be 15 years as Sooooooul Santa throughout the bay area. In the year 2020 The Tampa Times nominated me as the best black Santa in the Bay area. As of October 2025 I’ll be celebrating 26 years as Motivational Liaison (vendor) for Hillsborough County Public Schools, Project Promise. As the M. L. I conduct sessions at nine appointed youth facilities from original curriculum entitled; Altitude of Greatness.
I’ve had several motivational radio & television shows during the course of this 35 year venture. In July of this current year went line with a new podcast entitled, “The Pinnacle With DLD,” which is a 30 to 60 minute broadcast of motivation, inspiration & empowerment. This broadcast can be heard on Spotify and seen on YouTube and all the social media platforms throughout.
Lastly, as age 69 approaches in November, let it be truly known, a blessed man I am! Taking daily views of where I really could have been in this life. Very thankful to my great-grandmother (Ms. Mary Rodgers) who saw what I didn’t see. I thank GOD For allowing me to be an optimistic agent in helping many to turn their life into a success story.
Thanks to the Publishers for this golden opportunity!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Have my life been a smooth road? By far no it has not however upon realization there is better opportunities that awaited me, I had to make a gigantic turn in my life one step, on day at a time. The struggle of overcoming the abuse that had a hold on me. The drugs & alcohol that was destroying me internally and externally added to the depression already in to a greater level. At 33 years of age the decision to change my life was the best move I could have made at the time. Because I wanted better for myself, No it did not come easy (change is never easy). In the midst of climbing the mountain of refinding and rebuilding there was obstacles that at times made it hard. Mental challenges such as contended with my past of foster homes, being straight jackets, repeating some of the physcial abuse upon myself. The biggest issue at the time was my mind degrading with voices of those who perpetrated with physical & verbal abuse. As time moved and Yes through the help of My Savior Jesus Christ, Church Family, Caring associates I was finally able to turn the corner for good!
Once starting my business of DLD Enterprises, yes there was struggles and setback in this arena as well. As an eager young entrepreneur and full of energy, sometime the energy caused unwanted setbacks, such as missing out on opportunities in the area of speaking. There were setbacks due to finance, to further, 911 hit hard (my Prayers continue with our lost), causing a huge setback in all areas. Yes, will admit wanted to throw in the towel, thankfully had a great supporting cast that kept me inspired. Honestly, due to some personal move of recent times, I went under the grid, sort of quiet for a few years. Thankfully at 68 (69 in November) the spark is back and I am readying to once again stand before the audiences and Motivate & inspire. Whether it as myself, Frederick Douglass or Sooooul Santa. My passion through the setbacks and pain is to continue using my gift to be a blessing to many until GOD call me home.
Amen
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about DLD (Determined to Learn and Develop) Enterprises?
The business started January 1st, 1992 in Tampa, Florida. The purpose for establishing the small minority enterprises was to be a beckon of hope for those who as children, teenagers and young adults living through life seemingly with less desire to accomplish their personal goals. To mentor to those who felt (because of their circumstance all but gave up.
Through they early years, DLD (as I am known these days) was blessed to contract with Hillsborough County School as a Motivational Liaison with the Project Promise department (been a vendor with them for 26 years), Lockheed Martin in the same position. Working with youth and employees, motivating them to constantly get the best out of their self. Through the years DLD has stretch out as a author (penning 14 books & poetry namely on the subject of giving the best to get the best). This would also taking on the role of portraying the great Frederick Douglass for 16 years (and various other characters, naming Soooooul Santa & Prisoner “D”). Currently there is The Pinnacle With DLD airing on Spotify & YouTube to name a few.
What should you know about DLD?
I as DLD is truly committed to making a difference, Leaving Tampa and the world a better place. That through DLD and the 35 years building up to this writing that there is no stone lft unturned in being a change maker and moving the needle forward constantly with speaking, mentoring, being a M. C. and the power of original curriculums like “Altitude of Greatness!”
Within DLD I am a Speaker, Mentoring, Author, Actor, M.C. and a person that truly care about the welfare of another, namely our youth so they can have a healthy & prosperour future.
I specialize in Inspiring, motivating, acting, delivering joy through empowering messages that elevate whomever to the higher levet of their existence in their life. Through the city of Tampa I am known as DLD, 21st Century Frederick Douglass and of course, Donald.
What set DLD apart from others, What I bring to the table is considered unorthodox because of the fact the audience just don’t get a speaker, they get entertainment. Previously taking acting sessions, singing lessons, rap and storytelling, which is used in all presentations one way or another.
As a brand? Basically holding 3 as Frederick Douglass, Soul Santa and Empower Speaker.
To know about DLD is that we are truly committed to the work we deliver. Through our writing, speaking, books, etc. no less than one hundred percent is given at each occasion.. The brand is solid and have impacted many live in a optimistic manner that have accounted for many taken on the feat of being a “W-I-N-N-E-R!”
Everyone is invited to join DLD on all the social media sites so as to see how we continue to make a difference through the post & podcast.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What make me happy? Professionally, seeing the sparks and smiles in the eyes of the youth as they light up with joy from sitting before me as I am gifted to elevate their mind to a new level of happiness. Of course new opportunities to speak before many whether in character of as myself.
Personally?
Spending time with my granddaughter as a “Girlgranddad!” Seeing her grow and take part in cheerleading, excelling in school and spending quality time with her and my son.
Pricing:
- Speaking Engagements – various pricing
- Books – $16.00
- DLDWEAR T-shirts – $25.00
- DVD’s 13.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dldenterprises.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlf282002/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577075101229
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-l-dowridge-jr-595683/
- Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=3ryle-7-0p88+=75
- Other: tiktok.com/omes1286
Image Credits
For the most images were taken with personal camera.
