The Atlanta Hawks, in partnership with Be The People, honored Atlanta educator and community leader Mikal Driver as an “Atlanta Changemaker” during a pregame ceremony on April 6, recognizing his impact on expanding opportunities for young people across the city.
The honor is part of Atlanta Changemakers, an initiative spotlighting individuals working to solve challenges in their communities and inspire others to take action. Selected from more than 670 nominees, Driver represents the kind of grassroots leadership the campaign is designed to elevate.
Driver teaches ninth and 12th grade literature at BEST Academy and leads Prodigious Academy. His journey into education began at Morehouse College, where a sociology internship helped him see the connection between social systems and education.
After graduating, he launched his teaching career in New York before returning to Atlanta to work with several schools and nonprofits, including efforts focused on early literacy and mentoring young men of color. “I’m a product of Atlanta Public Schools, so it felt really good to be able to give back in that way,” he said.
In the classroom, Driver emphasizes mindset as much as academics. “A choice determines your aptitude, determines your destination,” he said. “One step, one punch, one round at a time.”
Driver shares that the honor serves as inspiration. “Local doesn’t mean small, local just means right next door,” he said.
