Draft:Saint Ranson

Saint Ranson, also known as Saint Lozon Ranson, is a multifaceted artist, actor, and producer recognized for his leadership and advocacy in the performing arts. Dedicated to using theatre and the arts as tools for advocacy, healing, and empowerment, Ranson's work focuses on inspiring young people and helping them navigate and overcome trauma.

Saint Lozon Ranson was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on December 16th to Mary Ann Ranson and Sant Applewhite. He grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, abuse, and homelessness. Much of his childhood was traumatic, particularly as he witnessed his mother, Mary Ann, suffer domestic violence at the hands of the men she dated.

As a young boy, he often felt isolated, enduring relentless bullying and being the outcast of his family. Despite this, he remained committed to his education and personal growth, even during times when he wanted to stay home to protect his mother. Her unwavering insistence that he continue attending school instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance and determination.

Growing up as the only boy among his mother's four children and without the presence of his father during his formative years, Ranson drew strength and guidance from his experiences in school and church, which became pivotal in shaping his character and aspirations.

Saint grew up in a low-income household with his single mother and three sisters, living in HUD housing and relying on food stamps to get by. His childhood was marked by hardship, as he struggled to find his identity amidst bullying at school and neglect from those closest to him.

Mary Ann's relationship with her parents was often strained. Many nights were marked by arguments and fights, as she struggled with feelings of being unloved and unaccepted by them. This tension extended to Saint, who often bore the brunt of this family discord. He experienced neglect and a lack of favor from his grandparents simply because he was her child.

Although Saint Lozon now shares a good relationship with his father, his father was largely absent during his childhood. Saint was primarily raised by his late mother, Mary Ann, alongside his late great-grandmother Ms. Clara Jefferson, his late grandparents Amzi Burt Jr. and Susie Mae Burt, and the elders in his church community.

Saint grew up in Riverton, a neighborhood in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he attended Little Riverton Elementary before moving on to J.W. Stampley Elementary just up the street. Despite the challenges in his environment, academics became a safe haven for him. He thrived in school, consistently making the principal's list and earning numerous awards for his achievements.

Life in Riverton was far from easy, as the community was rife with gang activity. His father, once known for his involvement in gang life as a kingpin, cast a long shadow. Yet Saint often found himself the target of bullying and ridicule. One particularly harrowing incident occurred when a local boy, "Lil George" Brooks, pulled a gun on him while he sat watching television at home. Holding the weapon to Saint's face, Brooks said chillingly, "I oughta blow yo punk ass brains out." Brooks, who has since passed away, was just one of the many figures Saint feared growing up.

Saint knew early on that his future couldn't be rooted in Clarksdale. Determined to escape, he graduated from J.W. Stampley and enrolled at Oakhurst Junior High School, where his life began to change. It was there, in the Oakhurst Marching Band, that he met his best friend, Elliot M. Glenn. Elliot, who came from a loving and supportive family, became a significant figure in Saint's life. The two grew inseparable, forming a bond that spanned over 20 years and included becoming college roommates at Jackson State University.

In the marching band, Saint found a sense of belonging and purpose. The community not only provided him with a creative outlet but also exposed him to the stability and support he had long craved. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would steer him toward a brighter future.

Saint's love for performance began to emerge during his time in the Oakhurst Junior High School Marching Band. While it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what sparked his passion, the experience came at a pivotal moment in his life. Perhaps it was the sense of community he found-the shared excitement and energy of being part of something larger than himself-or the vibrant sounds of the trumpets and cymbals, the instruments he started with, before transitioning to the bass drum in concert band.

The marching band became more than just an extracurricular activity for Saint-it became a sanctuary where he found a family, a purpose, and the spark that would ignite his lifelong passion for performance.

With a renewed sense of excitement and hope, Saint Lozon Ranson entered his freshman year at Clarksdale High School and joined the Clarksdale High School Marching Pioneer Band. Initially playing the trumpet, he soon transitioned to the drumline as a cymbal player, finding a deeper connection with percussion. During this time, Saint continued to live with his mother, Mary Ann Ranson, and faced ongoing challenges at home. However, the marching band became another safe haven for him, providing a creative outlet and a supportive community beyond the church.

On the drumline, Saint showcased his versatility, playing instruments like the timpani and bass drum. His band director, Ms. Linda Davis, recognized his potential early on. At the end of his freshman year, she told him that he should be the next drum major-a position traditionally reserved for seniors. Initially dismissing the idea with laughter, Saint didn't realize how profoundly Ms. Davis believed in him.

The following year, Saint made history as the first-ever sophomore drum major of the Clarksdale High School Marching Band. Under his leadership, the band earned superior ratings at contests for three consecutive years. Reflecting on Ms. Davis's impact, Saint said, "She saw me in a way that I did not see myself. She told me I would be her drum major; she didn't ask. It was like she knew what I could become before I did. She changed my life. I tell her all the time, but I'm not sure if she knows how important a role she played in my journey."

While Saint's academic and extracurricular achievements flourished, life at home grew increasingly difficult. By this time, his eldest sister, Alisha Ranson, had left for college, and his second-oldest sister, Josephine "Fruitloop" Ranson, was living in a nearby town for an extended period. During his freshman year, Saint began to notice unsettling changes in his mother. Her speech started to slur, and she struggled to sign permission slips for his activities.

Saint recalls the moment he realized something was wrong: "The first time I noticed my mother was using pills, I didn't understand what was happening. It scared me so badly that I ran to her room and prayed with tears streaming down my face. I thought she was dying. Her speech was slurred, and white foam was coming from her mouth."

Saint later learned that his mother had been battling substance use as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and pain, a struggle that predated his birth. Eventually, he moved in with his aunt, Bobbie Jean Ranson, and her four children, where he lived for the remainder of high school until his graduation.