Junior Ambassador

Olatunji Thurmon, known by his peers as Tunji,  was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. At only 18 years old, Olatunji has achieve great success in life, embodying the very meaning of his name, “wealth returns again,” in Yoruba.

As recent graduate from Rockdale County High School, Tunji’s presence in this world has not gone unnoticed. Born with Albinism and being the youngest of 5 children to Babatunji and Lonniecia Thurmon, Tunji bravely confronted the hurdles he faced and kept his eyes on the goals he had set from himself. While in school, Tunji demonstrated great courage and made clear that “no bully was strong enough to break him.” His outstanding academic achievement openly testified to his focus and determination to achieve greatness.

Like many with albinism, Tunji faced many other challenges related to his condition, notably acceptance from peers. He, however, had a solution to overcome this stigmatization: Show himself to the world. At only 9 years old, Tunji showed himself to the world by accepting a modeling role at the John Casablanca’s Modeling Agency. He participated in great projects, displaying his unique smile and outstanding self-confidence. “I am just like you” was a displayed mark of self-acceptance only Tunji could promote so effectively.

Modeling was not Tunji’s only passion. As the life of the party that he embodies, Tunji’s presence in a slew of entertainment projects has set this teenager apart from his peers. His dance skills have landed him in several performance shows, and he has been a featured dancer in many music videos. His acting abilities landed him a role on Hap and Leonard, a TV sitcom where he played the role of body double for his brother Olaniyan. From this role, Tunji earned an even bigger act on DC comics, Doom Patrol.

Tunji’s passion for advocacy for people with albinism was enhanced after watching a documentary featuring the unfair treatment of people affected with albinism around the world, especially in Tanzania, Africa. Driven by this passion, Tunji partnered with his brother Olaniyan and together, they created the GloBoyzz, a project focusing on motivating others to embrace themselves and develop their confidence to be role models to others around them, regardless of their condition.

Tunji’s moto “They love me in the streets because I’m me” has proven true for this young entrepreneur who did not shy away from his condition. Rather, he continues to conquer the hearts of many youth and adults through his loud demonstration of self-acceptance. His art and advocacy promote a step forward toward ending stigmatization for people with albinism and other skin conditions.