We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Tony Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Tony below.

Dr. Tony, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is my film, “I FORGIVE,” which is based on my true life story. The journey began on June 30, 2003, during a routine trip to pick up my wife Chriselda from work. Out of nowhere, I was attacked by gang members who shot me five times, leaving ten bullet holes in my body. I was clinically dead for 30 minutes and had an out-of-body experience where I spoke with the Creator. God told me it wasn’t my time yet; he had more work for me to do.
Miraculously, I was sent back to life with a mission to deliver a message of forgiveness and triumph over tragedy. Upon my return, I chose to forgive the individuals who had shot me, despite their senseless act of violence aimed at joining a gang. Remarkably, this decision led to the healing of my left leg and vocal cords, and my body recovered miraculously.
This profound experience fueled the creation of my film, sharing a powerful story of forgiveness and resilience.

Dr. Tony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As an inspirational recording artist, motivational speaker, filmmaker, and author, I have dedicated my life to spreading messages of hope, forgiveness, and perseverance. My journey began on that fateful day when I was shot by gang members multiple times. It was a traumatic experience that left me clinically dead for half an hour. During this time, I had an out-of-body experience where I spoke with God himself. He gave me a mission to share my story and spread his message of love and forgiveness.
Since then, I have been using various platforms like public speaking engagements and my film entitled “I FORGIVE”: Shows the harsh reality of gang-violence in America, to reach out to people and inspire them. My film, which I co-wrote and directed, chronicles my journey from being a victim of gang violence to finding inner peace through forgiveness.
Through my work, I aim to bring awareness to the devastating effects of gang violence and promote a message of healing and reconciliation. I also provide 6 sessions of training through my “Youth Violence Prevention Program” for youth and adults to prevent violence or for those who are struggling with trauma from that comes from such incidents. I use my own experiences as a source of inspiration.
What sets me apart is my personal story and the authenticity that comes with it. I have lived through some of the darkest moments and have found a way to rise above it all. My message is not just about forgiveness, but also about finding purpose in pain and using it to make a positive impact on the world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by my mission to share my story and spread a message of forgiveness and triumph over tragedy. I have been given a second chance at life after surviving a traumatic experience, I want to use this opportunity to inspire others and bring awareness to important social issues gun violence as well as gang violence. Through my film, public speaking engagements, and youth violence prevention program, My aims are to make a positive impact on the world by promoting healing and reconciliation.

My personal story adds authenticity to my message, making it even more impactful and relatable. Furthermore, my goal is not about personal success or fame, but rather about making a difference and leaving a positive legacy. I want to be an example of how a person can overcome adversity and use their experiences for good. This drive is what fuels my creative journey and keeps me motivated to continue sharing my message with the world.

In addition to my focus on forgiveness, I also emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in pain. I believe that every struggle has a lesson to teach us and can ultimately be used for something greater. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to find meaning in their own hardships and use them as a source of motivation to create change in the world

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative for me is the ability to connect with others and make a positive impact through my work. Whether it’s through my films, speaking engagements, or workshops, I have the opportunity to reach people on an emotional level and potentially change their perspective or inspire them in some way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my art has the power to touch lives and make a difference. The feedback I receive from audiences, such as hearing that a film resonated with someone’s personal experiences or that a workshop provided valuable insights, further reinforces the significance of my work.
Moreover, as an artist, I am constantly learning and growing. Each new project presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth. For example, a film project might require me to explore a new genre, or a workshop might push me to develop new teaching methods. Through these experiences, I am able to push myself creatively and discover new things about myself and the world around me. Collaborating with other artists and creatives also plays a crucial role in this growth, as it exposes me to different perspectives and techniques.
It’s a never-ending journey that keeps me engaged and motivated. The process of transforming an idea into a tangible piece of art, from the initial concept to the final product, is both exhilarating and deeply satisfying. Every completed project not only adds to my portfolio but also serves as a milestone in my artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nipfoundation.org
• Instagram: iforgivethemovie2022
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastortonydavis
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iforgivethemov1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJjr9_Mx1Uk

Image Credits

1) Dr. Tony Davis
2) Academy Award Winner Lou Gossett Jr. (voice of God within my film project “I FORGIVE”)
3) Monte James ( Lead actor of the Tony Davis story/film “I FORGIVE”)