“Mr. KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) is a true missionary. In 2012, he visited Uganda and stayed in a remote village called Mateete.
He was keen in supporting vulnerable school children, needy families, and orphans. After evaluating our education
system, he realized so much lack in the schools, one of which was communication systems, like computers.
So, when he went home to the United States, he mobilized help from his community for multimedia technology.
Afterward, he returned to Uganda the same year, to help students learn how use the equipment. These computers
enabled children to develop skills in primary school that would not ordinarily have used until high school
or university. He also raised social awareness between two cultures and countries. This inspired some students
to travel to the U.S. for study visits. It inspired American students to take advantage of free public education.
He connected many Christians, Ugandans to Americans. KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) is a champion of development and progress
of communities, especially because of his passion to impact lives.”
- John Robert Emetu, Ugandan Citizen AFRICA
“Anthony Thigpen is a visionary. He is a man that is driven by action and high standards. After knowing him for over
40 years, I've witnessed how he has allowed his personal beliefs to motivate him towards selflessly fulfilling
the needs of others. Whether volunteering his time towards mentoring youth, providing journalistic services
to religious leaders, or educational missions in Africa, Anthony follows his heart and acts on his beliefs. Many
people say what should be done, but very few act. Anthony is not just a visionary, he’s a man of action.”
- Tim Burleson, Family Case Worker INDIANA
“Anthony Thigpen is the most gifted and professional writer and photographer I’ve known. His publishing
company, Literacy in Motion, has published two books for me. He has written news articles, mission and vision
statements, and much more on my behalf. His portfolio is exceptionally eye-catching with some of the highest
resolution images eyes will ever see. He also uses his journalism skills to help so many people in need,
even raising more than $10,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Whether out of this country or in his own
community, KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) changes lives.”
- Bishop Sieon C. Roberts, Sr., Pastor of New Hope Church INDIANA
“KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) started as my childhood mentor, which carried over into my adulthood. I’ve had the privileged
to support his endeavors in Africa, entitled 'Through the Eyes of Africa'. He has always exhibited the utmost
character traits and always lead by example. I pride myself in knowing that I have a mentor/friend of his
stature in my life.”
- Adoniss Gibson, Jr., Atlanta Police Department S.W.A.T GEORGIA
“Mr. Anthony Thigpen is an individual of the highest character and moral fiber that I've had the honor to meet. Twenty-
five years ago, I learned that I needed a heart transplant to survive. After knowing me for only 60 days,
he sold all of his possessions and relocated to my hospital room in San Antonio, Texas as my support system.
He stayed throughout the entire process, alongside my family, as the hospital located a heart, completed
the transplant, and initiated my recovery. We've been friends for 25 years, and he maintains the same high
character, morals, dependability, intelligent, and compassion. He is truly a high quality human being. He
adds value to any individual, community or organization within his reach.”
- Michael Googe, Executive Protection Specialist CALIFORNIA
“Working with Anthony Thigpen has been joy. He’s photographed my wedding anniversary, family
portraits, and other important events. Professionalism and dedication is what clients can expect. Anthony has
captured some of the best memories that my family will share for a lifetime. I could not have chosen a better
person for the job – Anthony embodies Greatness.”
- ShaRee Lee, Owner of In Any Events GEORGIA
“I have worked with Anthony Thigpen on numerous projects for almost 15 years. During his
interviews, he's always tells a story within a story. His creativity coupled with literary skills allows him to always
capture and showcase diamonds in the rough. His style, wit and journalistic approach is highly sought after by
so many. Working alongside Thigpen during musical performances, religious festivities, award shows, book
publishing events, and even my own wedding, gives me great pleasure to see him soar as an iconic journalist.”
- Marcus E. Hare, Lake County Youth Services Founder INDIANA
“I am so proud of my son, Darrell (Anthony Thigpen). Not just because of what he has accomplished as a reporter and
photographer, but for his compassion for people. He loves helping others.”
- Rutha M. Morrison, Mother of Anthony Thigpen INDIANA
“Anthony Thigpen is truly one of a kind. Throughout my childhood, I suffered from a debilitating
stutter that led to feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. KaDarrell’s (Anthony Thigpen) mentorship and use of
literary techniques combined with spoken poetry, empowered me to overcome my stutter. I now speak publicly
on a weekly basis at conferences, churches, academic institutions, and community events.”
- Cameron Jones, Minister at The Rock Church of Evansville INDIANA
“KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) is inspiring. His actions speak volumes. Everything I ever heard him say he wanted, or wanted to
do, it eventually got done. He takes the time to learn things and study people. He selflessly helps others
expecting no personal benefits in return. He is motivated to take risk and try new things and he always uses
that same energy to motivate others to do great things for themselves. He is one of the most nonjudgmental
people I have ever met, which allows him to bond with people of all walks of life, and he's able to bring these
people together to accomplish what ever task needs to be done.”
- Michael A. Vinson, Army Veteran INDIANA
“I’ve known Anthony Thigpen for over 22 years, and he has always been one of the most selfless people I’ve
ever met. Whether working with youth in Minnesota, Indiana, Guatemala, India, or Africa, his involvement
and presence is invaluable – not once has he asked for anything in return. So, whether it’s doing free photo-
shoots for economically challenged teens and families, or traveling to Africa to establish a computer lab in a
remote village, without hesitation he sacrifices. I am proud to have supported his ambitions for over 2
decades.”
- Ron Giles, Sr., Bank Management MINNESOTA
“Anthony Thigpen is a man of great integrity, dedicated 100% to his family and work. Anthony is the epitome of a
selfless person who has devoted his life to the betterment of others. I recommend with the highest regard and
consider him my most trustworthy confidant.”
- Laura Newcomb, Owner of Autism Academy for Education and Development ARIZONA
“KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) listened to my daughter as she expressed her thoughts and wishes regarding her senior pictures. At
the same time, he was confident, creative, able, and ready to run the photo-shoot professionally. He executed
his craft respectfully, taking his artistry seriously, while creating an atmosphere of genuine humor and fun. The
environment KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) created felt safe, and I knew my daughter was in good hands.”
- Melissa West, JPMorgan Compliance Officer ARIZONA
“After four years of hard work at Hinge Studio in Chicago, I needed marketing and public relations help in
order to promote my Solo CD release. Anthony Thigpen listened to the tempo of my music and the beat of my heart.
He designed a plan, gathered a team, and delivered the largest CD release ever held at the Star Plaza Theatre
in Merrillville, Indiana. I am forever grateful.”
- Sharla Johnson, M.Ed., Vice President, Johnson and Johnson Ministries ILLINOIS/INDIANA
“We are back in India remembering our initial visit years ago, Brother KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) went with our team as a
newspaper journalist reporting on our entire trip. He helped make our mission a success. Most importantly,
during our visit we were able to help enrich the lives of orphans living in Chennai and Thirumullaivoyal, India.
Bishop John Rajiah of Eternal Word Ministries named a new facility in Thiyaga Durugam after our church.
The experience was life-changing, and KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) published a series of newspaper articles that enabled our
experience to live forever.”
Dennis Walton Pastor of Faith Temple of Christ Church INDIA
“KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) has been a fantastic role model and a father-figure that I call “Dad”. Over the years, he has taught
me everything from treating people with respect, to living an organized and successful life. During my high
school years, the Thigpen’s opened their hearts and home and allowed me to live with them. His love and
advice has shaped my life for the better. He is truly a shining example of how a respectable man lives life.”
Marvin Hearn, Food and Service Professional INDIANA
“KaDarrell (Anthony Thigpen) has been able to share his craft of writing with adults and children! He has traveled throughout the
United States and abroad with children on missionary trips. He teaches youth to use writing to capture their
experiences while traveling and in life! His most compassionate writing experience with a child occurred with
our daughter, Amber. They co-authored the book “From Daddy to Daughter”! This book is a treasure for
Amber and generations to come!”
- Clara Thigpen, M.Ed., Elementary School Principal (Wife of Anthony Thigpen) ARIZONA