2025 CHICAGO YOUTH AWARDS NOMINATIONS deadline: april 30, 2025

2025 La Shawn K Ford Humanitarian Award Recipient

Harper Anthony   

Harper Anthony is a 12-year-old   entrepreneur, actor, model, and youth advocate. He is the owner of Harper   Anthony, LLC where he operates a successful visual media company called   Harpix Visions 360. In an effort to bring more attention and acknowledgement   to youth on positive paths, especially academically, Harper recently launched   a nonprofit called “The Build Different Initiative.” As the founder and CEO,   Harper is looking to build anti-violence programs while partnering with   businesses and organizations to offer incentives to youth for academic and   behavioral achievement. Additionally, Harper serves as the youngest board   member of Raw Talent Performing Arts, NFP, as a youth community advocate and   enjoys participating in community service efforts. 

Harper has been in the fashion industry   since he was 3 years old. His love for modeling has landed him bookings with   major brands resulting in magazine publications, national ads, and plenty of   fashion shows in Chicago, Miami, Atlanta and in New York during New York   Fashion Week. His sense of style, especially with suits, has caught the   attention of millions, branding him the title, “The Kid with the Suits.”   Several of his photos have gone viral, being shared by millions around the   world and celebrities including Chris Brown, Ludacris, Tracee Ellis Ross,   Common, and more. As an actor, Harper has had the luxury of co-staring in a   series, booking regional and national commercials, a stage play at the famous   Goodman Theatre, and even is in a Disney series that will debut next year.

Harper continues to excel in the   classroom as well. He has earned 20 consecutive quarters of straight As, was   accepted into the Monster Education Foundation Program, the National Junior   Honor Society, and currently attends the 6-year Academic Center program at   Lindblom Math & Science Academy where he holds a 5.0 GPA. Harper is also   the 2022 Foley and Lardner MLK Oratory Competition Winner, Excellence in   Entrepreneurship Award recipient, The BE Impactful Award recipient, 2024 Chicago Youth Award MVP, and a Student   Ambassador for the Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning.   No stranger to sports either, Harper is a soccer player, volleyball player,   basketball champion, and a 2x Flag Football champion where was the starting Quarterback.   

Harper Anthony intends to continue his academic success and attend either Howard University or Morehouse College. Although he never wants to stop acting, he plans to pursue a career in Law and ultimately run for President of the United States in 2048.