As we celebrate Black History Month, Multiplying Good is honored to have recognized so many individuals throughout the years who have continued the worked towards progression of equality in minorities. Through their tireless pursuit, we continue to see the RIPPLE of GOOD in how one person’s impact becomes the catalyst for other individuals and the impact it has on their path to service. One such example is the work of our 2021 Jefferson Award Recipient for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, DeAndre Brown. 

As Founder and Executive Director to LIFEline to Success, DeAndre Brown has worked to help formerly incarcerated individuals transform their lives as they re-enter society after his own experience with re-entry. After devastating employment losses and the challenges he faced after serving time, he decided to “connect the dots and use his experience in janitorial and landscaping with his passion for preaching to help ex-offenders look for work.


DeAndre also understood the importance of working within the community to make sure the organization and those he was serving could be successful. Through that, he build strong relationships and has worked hand-in-hand with the Memphis Police Department to reduce the crime rate, specifically in Frayser , one of the most violent neighborhoods in Memphis. Mr. Brown also created the “Ban the Box” movement which led to the City of Memphis no longer discriminating against ex-offenders.

“Working with the formerly incarcerated population means working with individuals who have been silenced and in a lot of ways invisible,” explained Brown. “Being honored with a Jefferson Award confirms that more people see the contributions our clients are having in their communities.”

Through it all, he continues to draw from his own personal experience while bridging the gap for those who are lost and searching for acceptance, along with celebrating their commitment and contributions to the community.