When a story begins with pain, it often ends with power—and Dr. Vondale E. Singleton is proof of that. From surviving the harsh realities of Chicago’s Southside to founding a nationally recognized mentoring program, Dr. Singleton’s life is more than a success story. It’s a blueprint of resilience, and now, through writing, it’s a legacy that continues to inspire.
Raised in the Ida B. Wells Housing Projects, Dr. Singleton was no stranger to struggle. With a mother lost to addiction and a father incarcerated throughout his high school years, the odds were stacked against him. But instead of surrendering to his environment, he leaned into mentorship, education, and faith—values that would become cornerstones in his life and writing.
“My mentor, Steven Robertson, saw something in me,” he reflects. “He didn’t just give me advice—he gave me time, truth, and belief. That investment made all the difference. Writing became my way of returning that gift to others.”
Dr. Singleton’s journey as an author began in the same way he built CHAMPS (Culturally Helping And Making Positive Success) Male Mentoring Program—with a mission to empower young men facing adversity. He realized that storytelling was more than inspiration; it was intervention. His early writing included reflections on mentorship, education, and spiritual growth, eventually leading to powerful essays, speeches, and resources that have guided thousands.
His milestone work is not simply a book—it’s the impact of a life lived transparently. From earning national recognition through an award-winning White House Film Festival video to visiting President Obama, his stories resonate deeply because they are real. “Our young men need truth—not perfection. They need to see that you can fall and still rise,” Dr. Singleton says. His writing carries that message with unwavering conviction.
Like many authors, he’s faced challenges—chief among them, time. “I wear many hats: husband, father, leader, speaker, coach,” he says. “But writing is soul work. So, I prioritize it. Sometimes it’s in the early morning, other times on a plane or backstage before speaking. I don’t wait for the perfect moment—I capture the meaningful ones.”
His writing is also deeply inclusive, aimed at amplifying the voices of underrepresented youth. “Too often, our boys grow up without seeing themselves in literature,” Dr. Singleton explains. “My goal is to make sure they’re not just included—they’re celebrated.” Through his work, he highlights stories of Black excellence, fatherhood, and purpose—stories that are often untold, yet essential.
The feedback he receives confirms the importance of this work. A CHAMPS mentee once told him, “Your words made me believe I mattered. Not just because of what I do, but because of who I am.” For Dr. Singleton, that was the ultimate reward. “Writing is impact in ink,” he says. “It lives long after the moment passes.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Singleton is working on a memoir and companion curriculum to be used in schools and mentoring programs across the country. His long-term goal? To help build a library of culturally responsive literature that uplifts, educates, and inspires Black youth.
To aspiring authors, he offers this wisdom: “Write like someone’s future depends on it—because it might. Your story holds healing. Don’t just tell it, teach with it.”
In every page he pens, Dr. Vondale E. Singleton remains true to his calling: to serve, to uplift, and to lead by example. His pen is his pulpit, his story a spark, and his legacy, a light for generations to follow.
About Dr. Vondale E. Singleton Sr.
Dr. Vondale E. Singleton is a Chicago native, educator, author, and the Founder and CEO of CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program. A first-generation college graduate with degrees in Elementary Education and Marital and Family Therapy, he has dedicated over two decades to youth development and educational equity. He is a 2x Emmy-nominated documentary feature, MLK Community Champion, and Father of the Year in Illinois. As a writer and speaker, Dr. Singleton shares his journey to inspire hope, purpose, and positive transformation, particularly among young men of color. His work continues to change lives nationwide—one story, one student, one CHAMP at a time.
