Humble Beginnings Ignite a Dream

Growing up in the tough streets of South Florida, I never embraced and refused to internalize the possibility of becoming a product of my environment. The only glimmer of success seemed to be in the hands of the local drug dealer. That lifestyle never appealed to me, since I was not interested in selling or using drugs, nor the killing that seemed to be a job requirement. The only role models available to me were on television and in movies. That is when I decided, at the tender age of nine, that I was not going to be like those I saw. I wanted to be different; I knew that I could do better. “Better” meant setting a goal to get out of the ghetto and make a better life for myself, retiring by age 30. I wanted to be successful so I could get my mama out of the ghetto and give her what my father did not, stability.

"Lofty expectations for a little black boy" I was once told by an older person who I shared my dream with. "Whatcha gonna do? Sell dope?" they replied. I am a prime example of how underestimating a person’s abilities and determination to succeed can be a mistake in judgment. TELL me that I CAN’T, and I will SHOW you that I CAN. With great determination, I became an honor student and one of only four black males in my class to make the honor roll list as a senior. I graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA and later enrolled in Florida A&M University.

Community Activism

I was always known for running my mouth and was an avid reader, often reading up on something and then blowing others away with my retention abilities. Discovering that these were my inner gifts opened up a completely new world of opportunities for me. Using these gifts has empowered me to influence the world and challenge others to become more educated about AIDS and HIV.

While Attending FAMU, I was involved with many civic activities and I was a self-proclaimed "Condom Man" as I passed out condoms to people during many social events. Even as a student, I would tell others about the dangers of unprotected sex and the risks they took by not being either abstinent or having safe sex.

Passion = Pass It On

In 1997, I launched an ongoing crusade to get the message out about HIV/AIDS prevention. Since then, I have worked countless hours with faith and community leaders, have been a part of and hosted dozens of Town Hall meetings, workshops, panel discussions and many other community events to get the message out. I am extremely passionate about working with youth and adults alike to pass on the message of personal responsibility, healthy choices and abstinence-only education. Presently, I work with youth and adults at detention centers, correctional facilities, churches, health fairs and community events, informing of the importance of making healthy choices and encouraging them to develop their inner being.

I have also been involved with many initiatives in my community that deal with revitalization, education and social justice.

I am a certified HIV/AIDS counselor and tester, certified to teach VOICES (Video Opportunities for Innovative Condom Education and safer Sex), Abstinence Education and I have completed a course with the Interdenominational Theological Center to teach HIV/AIDS Education to Faith-Based Communities and courses on Community Mobilization, and Capacity Building.


Devoted Family Man

I believe in the strength and importance of family. I am married to a beautiful woman and I am blessed with three children of my own.  I have children that I have taken into my family that I consider my own as well.  My children are very involved with the arts. They all play stringed instruments we travel to perform in regional and national events.  I am deeply devoted to the principles of Faith, Family and Fortune.  I teach my children and family the same principles that I live by.   I also am involved with the direction of my children's education (as any father should be).


A Speaker with Passion, a Visionary with Purpose

My passion is educating others on the importance of making informed and healthy choices with their lives. My drive is fueled by the need for a stronger awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention & abstinence-only education, assisting others in developing sustainable and achievable goals. My purpose is to deliver a message to others that is filled with hope, teaching the important principles of what it means to dig D.E.E.P.

D.E.E.P.

Discover Your Dream
Explore Your Options
Educate Yourself
Plan Your Action

If you are ready to “dig D.E.E.P.” and take your mind to the next level of achievement and awareness, then look no further.

Allow Brian and Mind Altering Strategies to assist you in achieving your goal.

Brian J Henderson, CEO
Mind Altering Strategies, LLC