Marcus Hansom

* Note Shared by Relatives of  Roy Hansom*

Growing up in foster care wasn’t always easy, but I was lucky. My foster parents were incredible—they gave me so much love, guidance, and support. They always told me that my past didn’t define my future, and that simple belief changed everything for me. With their encouragement, I did well in school, earning a few academic awards and making friends everywhere I went. I loved people and had a knack for bringing them together, so it wasn’t long before I was planning little events here and there, just for fun.

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One of my favorite memories from high school was promoting a party for one of my buddies in the late ’60s. The problem was, there was another party that same night, and *everybody* seemed to be buzzing about it. I knew I had to step up if we wanted people to come to our spot instead. So, I got to work. I spent a few afternoons handing out flyers after school, promising “big surprises” to keep the curiosity alive, and even got a local band to come and play a set. By the time the night rolled around, it was standing-room only. I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing that packed house and knowing I’d pulled it off. That was when I knew I had a gift for this kind of thing.

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I ended up going to college and studied journalism. I’d dreamed of writing, of telling stories and making a difference through words. But life has a funny way of redirecting you. After college, I didn’t land a job in journalism, so I went back to what I knew best—people, and the thrill of bringing them together. 

I became a promoter, and before long, I was organizing all kinds of events: concerts for new musicians, jazz nights, community fundraisers, and cultural fairs celebrating African American heritage. I took pride in each one because I knew every gathering was a chance for people to come together and feel connected. It didn’t matter if it was a concert or a small social event; my goal was to make each one memorable.

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Looking back, I realize that bringing people together was always what I was meant to do. I was fortunate enough to find a path that let me do that for a living. And if I left any mark on the world, I hope it was this—that even in the simplest gatherings, we can create moments that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger. That’s what it was always about for me.