Biography
Calvin Mann was born and raised in Detroit’s west side to Rev. Columbus Mann and Ollibell Rosetha Mann along with his four brothers and 2 sisters. All siblings shared the enthusiasm and innate musical talent of their parents. This extraordinary ability did not go unnoticed by the entertainment community, enabling him to collaborate with a multitude of artists such as; Regina Bell, Mr. Cheeks, Trick Trick, Karen Clark, Sheared and The Clark Sisters, Curtis “Ice Cream” Mann, Seth, and Corndog as well as appearances in various commercials.
During his young adulthood, Calvin served his alma mater, Ferndale High School, as a varsity level basketball coach where he focused on character building, inspiring, and encouraging his student athletes. Throughout this time he was blessed with the gift of three beautiful children, Calvin Terrell Mann, II, Dominique, and Cameron. Upon his eldest, Calvin, II, entering middle school, Calvin began coaching his son’s basketball team. There he was instrumental in emphasizing the significance of a commitment to excellent and the resulting positive benefits, while maintaining a level of humor, enjoyment, and enrichment. Throughout his 15 year coaching career, Calvin further served his community by volunteering his unique coaching expertise to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
Utilizing basic elements acquired over the duration of his coaching career such as, teamwork, discipline, and respect, Calvin has enriched many lives with a renewed heritage and modern appeal approach. His refreshing energy and creative vision guided him to fashion. Through prayer and his interpretation of the astounding desire for positive direction manifested itself into inspirational sayings, using t-shirts and other apparel as the vehicle to spread those words of encouragement that have delighted fashion followers around the globe.
The overwhelming response Calvin received from his clothing that speaks to people ultimately led to the conception of Encourage Me I’m Young, Inc., (EMIY), in 2003, now a non-profit organization. EMIY has since launched their own clothing line where you can enjoy one of the many insightful sayings. The EMIY clothing line has made its way to the likes of Larry Foote who wore his EMIY shirt on Father’s Day 2006 on the NFL Network and of JoJo Simmons who wore his EMIY shirt on six Run’s House episodes aired on MTV. The primary objective of EMIY is to mentor those that need the support and guidance for a multitude of reasons, focusing on society’s greatest asset; our future leaders. At present, there is an entire EMIY network of kids and adults alike, from all different backgrounds and cultures. EMIY has been influential in assisting many young adults attend higher education, excel in athletics, become well-rounded, contributing members to their communities, and most importantly; encouraging parents. EMIY, Inc. has recently launched the Dr. King Memorial Campaign in effort to raise contributions for the memorial fund. Calvin believes that keeping Dr. King’s dream alive increases the chance for all dreamers’ dreams to come true.
Due to the lack of avenues available to fathers, Calvin noticed the number of men joining the network and therefore created Good Fathers Only, LLC, (GFO). a division of EMIY, Inc., catering to men from all walks of life. Upon a conversation sparked by GFO with a fellow father from New York, Martin Johnson Pratt, as well as the consistent inquiries and growing popularity of the group, the idea of a weekly talk forum called, Daddy Talk was born. Daddy Talk runs every Wednesday evening from 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM EST on Twitter.com and is headed up by Calvin, Martin and generally a guest speaker. Calvin and his guests offer positive solutions and answers to all issues and questions posed throughout the show. The ability to touch the lives of men from around the world and to teach them how to communicate effectively, be better fathers, and encourage their kids has been an extremely rewarding experience for Calvin. GFO now offers uniforms for athletics, schools, and detention centers that also carry uplifting quotations, further spreading words of encouragement.
Calvin’s passion and unique perception exemplifies diversity, self-belief, and love for his fellow man. He has a firm understanding of how people think and continues to actively educate everyone he comes in contact with on how they can be an integral part of encouraging someone close to them as well. Calvin often speaks to schools, sports teams, ministries and other public venues, enlightening audiences on the power of Encourage Me I’m Young.
* For Speaker Request Fees, further information, or questions, contact Calvin Mann at
313-332-3323, emiyinc@gmail.com, or tobunique@hotmail.com.