Junior Ambassador

Olaniyan Thurmon affectionately called Lani by his peers is a 21 year old man living with albinism. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Olaniyan whose name means “surrounded by honor” in Yoruba, has crowned himself with many honors.

As one of five children born to Babatunji and Lonniecia Thurmon, Lani very quickly recognized the utility of hard work. Upon graduating from Rockdale County High school in Conyers, Georgia, he embarked on a journey that have plastered his name among the most successful young actors of his time.

A born athlete, Lani joined the AAU basketball league, and in 2013, he led his team to the championship. This experience reinforced Lani’s belief that albinism was just a physical condition, not a state of mind. To prove his acting abilities, at only 14 years old, he joined the show Hap & Leonard, as the character Ivan, alongside veteran actor Michael K. Williams. A year later, at the age of 15, he signed a deal with the talent agency The People Store, representing the Brand on multiple platforms. Following this major endorsement, Lani’s continued to work hard to reach new heights. This journey landed him a major role as Teen Groot in the two sold-out box-office motion pictures, “The Avengers: Infinity War” and “The Avengers: End Game.”

At 18, while working, Lani also embarked in some fun activities, traveling with ComiCon for popup visits, signing autographs and taking pictures with masses. However, at the age of 19, he once again got into serious work when he joined Machine Gun Kelly, Kevin Bacon, and Drea de Matteo in the action thriller movie, One Way.

Acting is not Olaniyan only passion. He has used his creativity to venture into fashion and music, leading to release, at the age of 18, his single “Pop It” which gained over 1 million views on YouTube. During his spare time, Lani favorite recreations basketball, video games, and cooking breakfast. A skill he picked up while working. Friends and family will describe him as mature for his age and being very mild mannered.

Experiencing the love of strangers rooting for him, a “perfect stranger” to them, has not changed this mild-mannered young man. Rather, Lani has remained humble and constantly look for ways to return the same favor his community. The GloBoyzz, an organization he had created with his brother when he was younger, has taken a different meaning in his life. He renewed his dedication in travelling the world to address acceptance, tolerance and stand against bullying with other young people was renewed. While advocating for people with Albinism, teaching others and helping people understand what Albinism is, Lani, joined by his brother Tunji chose to join forces with Massé World, an organization reputed for their fight for acceptance of people with albinism and vitiligo. The Globoyzz’s voices have become louder and impactful to other young people living with albinism.