Reggie Dabbs

You can never change your past,
but you can change your future!

Reggies
Story

Born to an unwed teenager, Reggie Dabbs considers himself fortunate to be alive. With no place to go, the pregnant teenager ended up living in a chicken coop in Tennessee. It was there she remembered a former school teacher, Mrs. Dabbs, who had said to her students, “If you ever need anything, call me,” and gave the students her home phone number. The girl called.

Mrs. Dabbs and her husband, whose six children were adults by this time, took the girl into their home and cared for her until after the baby was born. They continued to care for little Reggie as foster parents until he was in the fourth grade, and then they officially adopted him and gave him the Dabbs name.

As the Dabbs’ reared Reggie, they instilled in him strong moral values, for which he is genuinely grateful. They also ingrained in him the fact that in every situation he faced, he had a choice. What he did with those choices was entirely up to him.

In the sixth grade, Reggie began playing the saxophone and hated it. At the insistence of his parents he continued to practice and to play. Not until his freshman year in college did he actually enjoy the instrument, and today, he plays with fervor and expertise.

After graduating from college, Reggie began his public speaking. During one speaking engagement, his host asked if he would be interested in addressing a high school assembly. From that small beginning in 1987, Reggie has become a popular public school speaker.

When addressing a school assembly, Reggie talks to the kids in a humorous style about choices each of them has when faced with drugs, alcohol, suicide, etc. Reggie gets in kids faces and tells them that he never smoked a cigarette, never did drugs, never drank alcohol, because he chose not to. He assures them that they can make the same kinds of choices.

Reggie talks to kids about family and how thankful they should be that they have families. Most of all, Reggie drives home the fact that “You can never change your past, but you can change your future!”

From being a “Problem” to an unwed teenager, Reggie is fast becoming one of the most in-demand speakers who helps teenagers meet their problems head-on and overcome them.

Reggie makes his home in Ft. Myers, Florida with his wife Michele and their son Dominic.

Reggies
Mission

REGGIE’S MISSION IS REACHING TODAYS STUDENTS!

I believe, as I am sure you do, that your community’s greatest assets are not in it’s buildings, but in the students themselves.

My family and I have committed our lives to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I would consider it an honor to partner with you and your school’s goal of building better students.

Today’s generation is facing unparalleled hurts, pressures and choices. If we can heal those hurts, help in times of pressure and equip students in their choices, we will have better students and a positive school atmosphere. That is where I can help assist you with this school assembly presentation. I share with students often, “You can’t change your past, but you can change your future.” With all that students are facing, we must give them hope.

Endorsements

Principals

“SOMETHING SPECIAL”
“Although I had watched your video tape last summer and felt that you would be ‘right’ for senior high students, I didn’t realize how truly effective your delivery and message were until I encountered you in person. You have something special that immediately draws people to you and makes them feel that you are a friend.”
Principal
Charles F. Bush High School, Lyndhurst, OH

“WE GOT WHAT WE HOPED FOR”
“Our mission statement commits us to address our students self-esteem. That is what I hoped for when we scheduled Reggie. That is what we got.”
Principal
Lake Public Schools, Spring Lake, MI

“MADE A DIFFERENCE”
“I continue to hear many positive statements and know that our teachers are still promoting your message to the students. One of my teachers told me that having Reggie com to our school was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Reggie Dabbs has mad a difference in our lives.”
Principal
Central Davidson Middle School, Lexington, NC

Teachers

“THANKS REGGIE”
“Reggie, I love what your doing for these kids man. You have a great sense of humor, and kept the kids on the edge of their seats. Stong message fro young people, really made my students think after you left about the true meaning of life, and just how lucky we are to lead a normal life. Way to keep it real Reggie!”

Mr. Edwards
6th Grade Science, Kelly Middle School, Eastpointe, MI

“…BEST ASSEMBLY WE’VE EVER HAD…”
“I would ask you to pass along my sincerest thanks to Reggie. I’ve been teaching for 17 years and this was by far the best assembly we’ve ever had. I spoke with many of our students later that afternoon and Reggie made quite an impression. He’s going to be a very tough act to follow.”

Amy Mitchell
Library Media Specialist

Students

“YOU’RE THE BEST!”
“Hey Reggie I loved when you came to our school. You really touched me with your story and I was reminded of some valuable lessons. Thanks for making us laugh as well as saying serious things. Some people were even crying your story was so moving! Hope to see you again sometime, love Sarah xoxo”
Kings Baptist Grammar School

“REGGIE YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER!!”
“I know you might be to busy to read this but I just think its great that some one out there will listen to me. The first time I saw you speak you changed my life around and I just wanna thank you for that. I hope you come again cause you didn’t only change my life you changed lots of peoples lives. So thanks”
Ellen-Fairholme College-Queensland-Australia

“WHAT WE DIDN’T EXPECT”
“The kids at our school were used to don’t do drug speaches, and especially be respectful speeches. We were in for a surprise. Reggie was hilarious, but his speech still managed to inspire us all. It was exactly what we didn’t expect.”
Jessica