All photos by Tobie Makinde Photography
T. Michael Thomas is a Master Craftsman, with over 20 years’ experience specializing in copper fabrication and installation. He has worked on over 50 buildings in the Boston area, including the Massachusetts State House, The Divinity Library at Harvard University, State Street Bank, and The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, notably. Throughout his career in the Building Trades Union, he realized there was a significant lack of skilled trade workers in the community. Driven by his passion for helping the community and his unique, professional skill set, Mr. Thomas decided to create an initiative for change. He founded The People’s Academy, Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission to provide a training program for at-risk, disenfranchised youth and adults, offering self-sufficiency through viable employment and simultaneously improving the community by continuing the trade industry.
The People’s Academy, Inc. (TPA) is a two-year pre-apprenticeship program focused on providing inner-city residents with the ability to adopt a trade for life in the copper industry. The goal is to enroll and graduate 30 students per year, accessing a path to self-sufficiency, viable employment opportunities, financial literacy, and a sense of purpose. Invaluable contributions are made to family, economics, community, and society. TPA instructors care about the environment and our future by using recycled metals. TPA is founded by T. Michael Thomas and co-founder, Dave Richardson, community trailblazers paving the way as cornices and copper craftsmen.
The co-founders are moving the mission forward in training students to be skilled craftsmen in building trades. The TPA mission is to create a population that is employable and committed to improving society. The slogan Trades not Triggers means work together to end violence, pick up a tool, and learn a trade. This aligns with the 2023 TPA mantra written by T. Michael Thomas.
FMM: You are a trailblazer in your community. Share your background and what led you to The People’s Academy (TPA).
Racial disparities created the wealth gap. Black and Brown people were not given the same opportunities and construction is the key to the middle class. I started off as a welder as a trade. I did extremely well in school, always wanted the best, and I have always stood out.
Copper is the best metal for the human body. This is a divine movement. Copper places me in a spiritual, peaceful, and healthy state. I learned the trade in a company that started in Dorchester Massachusetts. The person started a welding company after World War II and migrated from Russia. The only item he brought to the United States was his hand tools. About five decades later I was taught the trade by his relatives. The Jewish community welcomed me.
FMM: “Our passion for this initiative is rooted in family, community, and economics. We want our community to be prepared for whatever comes next; this means learning a trade in restoration and preservation. Take us through The People’s Academy.
The People’s Academy offers historical preservation, and the following are the items we teach in fabrication, installation, and exportation.
The list is as follows: Chimney Cap and flashing, Chimney Cricket, Center Drains, Copper Bay Windows, Copper Lantern, Copper Flower Pots, Copper jewelry, clothing, and accessories, Copper Louvers, Copper Mailboxes, Copper Skylights, Cornice Work, Drip Edge, Flat lock and standing seam panels, Gutters and Downspouts, Hood Vents, Metal Roofing, Scupper box, Vent Pipes, Wall Caps, and Weather Vane Work.
FMM: What are people building as a result of your academy?
People are building family and community. We add value and take pride in strengthening the economy.
FMM: Who has inspired you the most?
People who are in need have inspired me to do more because my mother always said do for others as you would do for yourself. Helping others to succeed in life brings me joy.
FMM: “We are expanding the goal to raise $34 million to build a new training facility, supply needed services in the community, and housing accommodations.” Share your goals for 2023.
The People’s Academy goals are to create a facility that will uplift people and provide a career in the trades, contribute to their family and the economy as well as obtain the necessary help to better themselves
FMM: How has The People’s Academy changed lives?
The People’s Academy has changed and saved lives by providing students an opportunity to provide for themselves. Students are able to live life, have self pride, self worth knowing they have the ability to provide for themselves and their loved ones. By learning a trade, you can survive a lifetime.
FMM: How has the academy changed your life?
The academy has made me into a stronger fighter, more aggressive, focused, and grounded. People have become complacent and relaxed. I always say I am in the fight unapologetically.
FMM: Please share your vision for the fall of 2023.
The People’s Academy goal is for everyone to put their differences aside. Let us come together and save a life. Help us build this school. It is not about The People’s Academy, or TMT Fashions It is about humanity.
We are gearing up for the first residential pre-apprenticeship career model in Boston, and we need your help.
The People’s Academy is a non-profit organization that gives people the tools they need to rebuild their lives and communities. We do this through our unique program, which is proven to reduce crime, decrease unemployment rates, and assist with recidivism. We are expanding—we have started raising the $32 million needed to build a new facility that will house our program and provide much-needed services to the community.
But we cannot do it without you! Every dollar you donate goes directly toward creating a working population that can rebuild our infrastructure, revitalize neighborhoods, and gives people back their lives. It is easy—go to www.peoplesacademyinc.org and make a donation today! The People’s Academy is 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. You may locate The People’s Academy on all social media platforms.
Nicole Maxey | MaxeymizePR | Publicist | www.maxeymizepr.com