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Together United Initiative
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights hosts the innovative anti-bullying initiative, Together United (formerly The Relentless Tour).
The Together United mission: to eradicate bullying and encourage each individual to “Live Your Dream” – one of many inspirational messages from Anthony Ianni, the motivational speaker at the center of the Together United program.
Anthony Ianni knows what it means to overcome barriers. And he knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a bully.
At the age of 4, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a condition on the Autism Spectrum. Doctors told Anthony's parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never go to college, would never be an athlete and would likely grow up to live in a group home. In school, he was bullied for all the ways he was different than everybody else.
But Anthony defied the predictions: he completed high school and went on to graduate from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
While at MSU, Anthony Ianni became the first athlete with autism to play NCAA Division 1 college basketball. Under legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo, Anthony played on the 2010 and 2012 Big Ten Championship teams and the 2010 Final Four team.
He has won a number of awards including MSU’s Tim Bograkos Walk-On Award, the 2012 MSU Unsung Player Award, and he was named a 2013 Detroit Pistons Community Game Changer Finalist.
Now, Anthony is on a mission: to eradicate bullying and inspire young people to be the change they want to see – both in the world and in their own lives.
Bring Anthony and his powerful message to your school, summer camp, youth program or event. To schedule Anthony Ianni and the Together United program, complete the request form below.