Antonio Gwynn Jr. followed protests for George Floyd's death online. He saw clashing videos between police and protestors on his hometown of Buffalo on Bailey Avenue. Worried about all the debris scattered across the streets, he went out at two in the morning and started gathering trash.
The 18-year-old teen told TODAY Parents that he just decided that he wanted to go out and help clean. He brought with him some work gloves and a couple of trash bags boxes. He had them because he rented U-Haul when he moved into his first apartment.
Gwynn's good deeds posted on a website
It took him ten hours to methodically clear about ten to 15 blocks of trash as he listened to the radio. Nicole Hopkins drove past Gwynn and stopped to talk to him. She also took his photo. Later on, Kimberly LaRussa shared the news of Gwynn's good deeds on the "Sweet Buffalo" website.
The teen was not aware that he had become famous. He said that he did not know anyone was noticing because he was just trying to clean up. After his good deeds have spread, messages and offers started.
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Rewards pouring in after the news spread
Someone gave Gwynn a car, and the mayor offered him a job after college. Another person started a GoFundMe page for him to cover for his expenses. Gwynn wanted to be a mechanic, so he originally planned to go to technical school to study.
He shared that everyone started sending him messages on how they could donate or help him. He did not know how to take it because it took him by surprise.
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Medaille College offered a scholarship
Gwynn was especially stunned when Medaille College offered him a scholarship of four years. He said that he is both happy and excited, and he plans on taking a business course.
The helpful teen wants to own many businesses. He wants a mechanic shop, a cleaning and a moving company, and a clothing line. The donations have reached his needs, and people made a second GoFundMe page to kick off his cleaning business.
Answered prayers
Change Church's pastor and youth leader, Duane Thomas, felt happy and excited that good things are coming to Gwynn. He said that it was amazing to have answered prayers. He met the teen in a youth organization called nKappi Phi.
After Gwynn's mother, Leola Littleton, died of a heart attack, Thomas welcomed him into his big family.
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Thomas said that Gwynn is a generous and a self-starter. He was not surprised why the teen helped to clean the streets without nudging. He noted that Gwynn would make sure to do things at once when he needs to.
Gwynn cleaned up Bailey Avenue to encourage others to contribute to their community. Thomas hopes that people learn from Gwynn's selflessness and challenges their perception of black men.
He said that even though many people are afraid of African American males by their looks, the skin color does not matter. What is important is the inside. He added that Gwynn helped with the cleaning because that is who he is.
