Patrykk Krasinska
Top 20 Under 40 Class Of 2021 Winner
Tony Victor Bunion, Jr. is a first-generation college graduate. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Florida A&M University. After graduation he became the Physical Education Teacher for Wayman Academy of the Arts. In addition to teaching PE, he also works for the after-school program as an academic tutor and coordinator of students’ activities. He has also taken on other leadership roles such as: organizing the annual end of the year play day and the fifth game dance. Tony was selected as Wayman Academy “Vystar Teacher of the Year” for 2021-2022 school year. In 2019, he had a vision to write a book. His book “Breakin Cycles” utilizes his life experiences to demonstrate your past does not have to dictate your future. This was the impetus to launch his business “Breakin Cycles, LLC. The ultimate goal of Breakin Cycles, LLC is to benefit the community by promoting and encouraging all youth to get a good education and to live a healthy lifestyle. Tony is a Published/Award-winning author, speaker, educator, fitness enthusiast, and Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Disease advocate.
Tony new career as an author has opened many doors for me. He has sold over 1000 copies and donated over 100 copies of Breakin Cycles. During the first year of his book release, he was recognized as best young adult author by the Distinguished Authors Guild Group. This led to several in person as well as virtual speaking engagements. He has been blessed to be featured in both of my hometown local newspapers, The Havana Herald and The Gadsden County Times. He has also earned his first partnership with Game Face 4:13 Training Academy. Breakin Cycles has been purchased by the Youth Development Programs/DJJ to be included in the curriculum for at risk students. In addition, his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., purchased 300 copies of his book and gave a copy to every graduating male at Raines and Ribault High Schools class of 2021.
Tony is married to Dr. Whitney Bunion and has 2 children, Marcus and Maya. In 2019, his wife gave birth to their third child Malia D. Bunion, a beautiful baby girl who was born with a rare genetic disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). It is also known as the worst disease you have never heard of. Persons born with this condition require extensive medical care and have a short life expectancy. While going through this experience Tony and his family became advocates for the Debra Foundation of America. They have raised over $25K to support EB research. In addition, Tony was instrumental in bringing more awareness of the impact of this condition to the African American Community. As a result, the personal stories section of the Debra Foundation website has been updated to include photos of African American families impacted by this disease.