Samuel Crawford Is A Guiding Light for Tuscaloosa's Youth

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread, along with 1-800-411PAIN, are proud to present the 2025 Black History Makers of Alabama.

Black History Maker of Alabama – Samuel Crawford

Photo Courtesy: Samuel Crawford

Samuel Crawford, born on December 3, 1990, is a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate for youth development in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A proud product of west Tuscaloosa, he was raised by his remarkable mother, Mary Crawford, alongside his five siblings: Calvin, Sarah, James, Lurena, and Aqueila. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of family, resilience, and service to others—values that he now channels into his work with young people.

Crawford is a graduate of Northridge High School and is currently completing his degree in Sports Management at Troy University. His journey of leadership and mentorship has led him to serve as the Education Lead for Elevate West Alabama (EWA), a transformative organization dedicated to building long-term, life-changing relationships with Tuscaloosa’s youth. EWA is an affiliate of Elevate USA, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and focuses on equipping students with essential character qualities and life skills. In this role, Crawford has spent over three years impacting the lives of students at Central High School, empowering them to thrive and contribute to their communities. Crawford is a position coach for the Central Falcons football team.

Beyond his professional commitments, Crawford is deeply involved in his faith and serves as a minister at Impact Nation Fellowship Church. As one of three Youth Leaders, he works tirelessly to make a lasting impact on young people within his community and beyond. His passion for youth empowerment is rooted in a belief that success is not merely about personal gain, but about contributing to the collective well-being of society. He understands that true leadership requires resilience, empathy, and a willingness to listen, learn, and innovate.

Black History is a resemblance of our resolve, to me it’s a symbol of honor for what we’ve overcome and an expectancy for vibrant future. -Samuel Crawford

Crawford’s personal mission is to help young people realize their potential by guiding them toward self-discovery, equipping them with the tools to navigate challenges, and encouraging them to use their voices to shape their own futures. He recognizes that many young people possess incredible potential but lack the necessary direction and resources to fully realize their dreams. His own journey was shaped by the mentorship and guidance he received, which provided him with a blueprint for success. Now, he dedicates his life to providing the same for the next generation.

A devoted husband to Alexis Crawford and a loving father to Samuel Crawford Jr. and Christina Grice, Crawford exemplifies the values of family, service, and leadership. Through his unwavering commitment to youth development, education, and ministry, he continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for Tuscaloosa’s young people. His impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come, as he works to bridge the gap between aspiration and realization for the youth he so passionately serves.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks 1-800-411PAIN for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. "Car Accident? Remember After 911. Call 411. 1-800-411PAIN, that's 1-800-411-7246.

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