Dontay Lockett is an artist, educator, and coach. He likes to run, bike, paint, and draw. A 2020 graduate of Columbia College Chicago, he is also the first member of his family to go to college, a feat he once thought impossible.
Dontay experienced homelessness throughout his childhood, spending his teen years commuting more than an hour each way from a shelter to his high school. His precarious living situation made staying on top of his studies extremely difficult. Dontay’s track coach later became his legal guardian, providing him with more stability to pursue his dreams.
“My guardian inspired me to think about and want to go to college,” Dontay recalls. “Having a mentor like that pushed me on different paths, whether academics, sports, or art.”
Dontay won a renewable college scholarship from the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) in 2016, earning a bachelor’s degree in Illustration in 2020.
”“CCH was a big help during my college time, seeing how my grades are and how I’m holding up,” said Dontay. “Having staff check in and provide support created a great bond.”
College provided Dontay with opportunities to network with other artists, develop life skills, and learn new art mediums, like woodworking and sewing. He launched his own clothing brand, sewing his designs onto bags, hats, and shirts. He put on several art shows, helping him build community and meet new people.
“I met some of my best friends that I still talk to now by going to college,” Dontay shared.
College also had its challenges. Dontay had to navigate ADHD throughout his studies and learn to process and express complicated emotions in a new environment. He also struggled with being away from his family while he worked towards his degree.
Still, Dontay continued to make strides in his academic and personal growth, while also advocating to help families like his. In 2019, he spoke at a CCH-led press conference at Chicago City Hall, sharing the challenges he faced growing up and urging elected officials to invest more funds to ending homelessness.
Dontay sketches at home, surrounded by samples of his artwork.
Today, Dontay works as a special education paraprofessional at Chicago Public Schools, supporting students with disabilities in the classroom. He also coaches basketball, track, and cross country.
”“I love helping kids that don’t feel like they have a space within the school,” said Dontay. “They’re seen as different. Growing up, I was also seen as different. I had an IEP; I was in special education. These students are the reason that I wake up and want to go to work.”
When he’s not working, Dontay focuses on his art and connects often with his mom, sister, and nephew. Last year he completed two half marathons – one week apart – alongside his long-time partner.
“I was tired after that,” Dontay laughed, “but we were proud of ourselves.”
Dontay continues to stay involved with CCH, working with other former scholarship winners to select and guide new awardees.
”“CCH gives someone who was homeless the chance to give back to folks still dealing with homelessness,” said Dontay. “Being on the scholarship selection committee has been a way for me to try to help others. I never really had the opportunity to do that.”
Dontay is proud of how far he has come, while continuing to work towards building the life he wants. He plans to eventually move to California with his partner, become an art teacher, and continue supporting communities impacted by homelessness.
Though the journey has not been easy, Dontay is well on his way.
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is now Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness (CCH).