Antwone Fisher

Antwone Fisher is a bestselling author, screenwriter, film director, and one of America’s most powerful voices on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the human capacity for transformation. His autobiography, Finding Fish, became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into the critically acclaimed 2002 film Antwone Fisher, directed by Denzel Washington.

A Story of Survival That Inspired a Nation

Born in a prison in Cleveland, Ohio, Fisher never knew his parents. He grew up in foster care, endured years of abuse, and spent time homeless before joining the U.S. Navy, where he found structure, purpose, and the encouragement to confront his past. With the support of a Navy psychiatrist, Fisher began writing the story of his life. That memoir became Finding Fish, and when Denzel Washington chose it as his directorial debut, Fisher’s journey from abandonment to achievement reached millions.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Fisher has since written additional books including A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie and directed the film Antwone Fisher Returns. He is a passionate advocate for foster children and at-risk youth, using his platform to raise awareness about the foster care system. His keynotes share a profoundly moving story of transformation that empowers audiences to overcome their own obstacles, embrace their worth, and write a new chapter regardless of where their story began.

The Antwone Fisher Story

The world first learned of Antwone Fisher’s story of perseverance, determination, and courage film Antwone Fisher, starring Denzel Washington, and the publication of Finding Fish, his memoir of a childhood spent in foster homes. It also learned that within him beat the heart of an artist — a major factor in his resilience and recovery. In his riveting and inspiring presentation (complete with lots of Q&A), Antwone shares how he learned to rise above his situation, how he found a family he never knew existed, and later how he went on to build a loving family of his own.

How To Tie a Tie: and Other Lessons For Succeeding in Life

It wasn’t until Antwone was a navy recruit that he realized this smartly dressed man had never taken the time to teach him how to be well-groomed to reflect on the outside the man he was becoming on the inside. “A boy ought to know how to tie a tie,” he thought angrily, as he struggled to master the navy’s required half-Windsor knot. Filled with inspiring stories, wisdom, and practical know-how, Antwone’s presentation to young people (both male and female) helps them to develop a sense of purpose and worth, and lay a foundation for success.

Foster Care and Adoption

While there are countless families having a positive impact on the lives of children, Antwone Fisher is very familiar with the challenges of the foster care and adoption system. From of children aging out of the foster care system to the aftermath of abuse, to parenthood and teens, Antwone addresses these issues with sensitivity, honesty and inspiration.

The Arts

Throughout his life, Antwone has used the arts as a form of self expression to get him through his toughest times. He found his voice as an artist, and he talks about how all forms of art, from painting and drawing to dance, music, museums and other forms of culture are so vital to the growth of human character and well being.