Anti-violence advocate is a true survivor and BuzzFlash's Wings of Justice winner this week

WINGS OF JUSTICE

Weusi Olusola

Weusi Olusola had three close calls, but he only needed that first one.

When he was a 14-year-old drug dealer in Detroit, Olusola was just barely spared in a drive-by shooting that killed his best friend. That was it for Olusola. He gave up dealing and got a restaurant job. He improved his schoolwork and joined band and the basketball team. He applied for scholarships.

When he was 16, he wasn't so lucky. He was hit in another drive-by. This time the bullet knocked his heart out of place. His physical heart was OK, but he was heartbroken to find out he would never walk again.

Olusola began talking to kids about the effects of gun violence, eventually becoming the president of Pioneers for Peace, a violence prevention program developed by the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and sponsored by the United Way. The group works to show students and others the "potential consequences of guns, gangs, drugs and violence."

Now, not yet 40 years old, Olusola has been thrown another road block: He has been diagnosed with Stage 4 bladder cancer, and given only six months to live.

Olusola has been recognized around the country for his advocacy. He will soon be honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Park West Foundation. He says he'll be there for the March 7 ceremony, although he added that the award should go to his wife, Nadiya, and his late mother.

A fund has been set up for Olusola's medical bills, but either way, he's not giving up. Most of all, he's not ready to quit working:

"Let's celebrate what we've accomplished and look forward to being able to do a lot more." 

WINGS OF JUSTICE

Nominated by Beth Martin of Michigan. To see a full list of past Wings of Justice honorees, click here. 

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