✊🏾 The Gutter Report: Akoshee Clanton’s True 2 You Legacy
From Black Excellence in Sports to grassroots leadership in Staten Island
A Leader Born From the North Shore
Growing up on Staten Island’s North Shore, Akoshee Clanton witnessed the challenges her community faced — poverty, limited resources, and families struggling to get by. Instead of letting those experiences harden her, she used them as motivation to build something bigger. Today, she stands as the founder of the True 2 You Foundation, a nonprofit that uplifts others through direct service, empowerment, and love.
Recognized for Black Excellence
In February 2025, Clanton was honored during the College of Staten Island’s Black History Month celebration as a Black Excellence in Sports honoree. The award recognized not just her athletic background, but her work in leading and inspiring Staten Island’s youth.
| 🏀 Honored as a Black Excellence in Sports recipient at the College of Staten Island, 2025. |
| ✊🏾 Clanton standing proud in front of the True 2 You Foundation banner. |
Building True 2 You
Founded with the motto “Everything is possible, even the impossible,” the True 2 You Foundation has become a lifeline for Staten Islanders. The foundation hosts back-to-school drives, holiday toy giveaways, wellness events, and mentorship programs.
“We’ve been able to create a platform that empowers individuals and brings people together,” Clanton said. “That’s what True 2 You is really about — support, love, and showing up for each other.”
| 🫱🏼🫲🏾 Akoshee Clanton with Kamillah Hanks at the Black History Month celebration. |
Inspiring the Next Generation
Clanton’s work goes beyond events. She invests directly in Staten Island youth, showing up in schools, classrooms, and community spaces. In May 2025, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from Public School 18 (John G. Whittier) for her role in Career Day.
| 📜 Certificate of Appreciation recognizing Clanton’s participation in PS 18’s Career Day. |
| 🙌🏾 Clanton engaging with students, planting seeds of confidence and hope. |
Heart-Driven Leadership
What separates Clanton is her consistency. Whether arriving with an Amazon truck of supplies or offering her time face-to-face, she makes sure families get what they need most. Her work has been praised by community leaders like Saquana Johnson of Northfield Bank, who said Clanton’s dedication is “truly inspiring.”
Clanton herself describes her mission best: “I know what it’s like to see your community hurting. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help alleviate that hardship in any way I can.”
Closing
From sports accolades to nonprofit leadership, Akoshee Clanton proves that true excellence is measured by impact, not applause. Her legacy is being built in real time — in Staten Island classrooms, at community events, and in the lives of families who now have hope where once there was none.
Not for clicks — for clarity.
Good morning and Godspeed.
— Elliott Carterr
