MEET
THE MAN IN THE
BLACK CHUCKS
JUSTIN IS A FATHER FIRST!
Justin Tutt, known as The Man in the Black Chucks, is a nationally recognized speaker and mentor but nothing comes before his family. Based in Chicago, Justin and his wife, Rachel—a professor and playwright—share a mission to inspire the next generation while raising their daughter, Sanaa. For Justin, family is his greatest inspiration, driving his passion to create a lasting impact for his community and tomorrow’s leaders.
When Justin Tutt laces up his iconic, battle-worn black Chucks, he steps into more than just a pair of sneakers—he steps into purpose. A symbol of resilience and unstoppable determination, his shoes remind us all: It’s not about where you come from or what you’ve been through, but where you’re headed.
For over a decade, Justin, known nationwide as The Man in the Black Chucks, has been a force of change in education, partnering with school districts and organizations to ignite hope, inspire action, and transform lives. Through electrifying school assemblies, game-changing staff training sessions, and life-altering keynote speeches, he has empowered over one million students across thousands of schools and conferences to rise above obstacles and take charge of their future.
Justin’s mission is to help individuals within your school & organization
STEP ON PURPOSE-
embracing their life's purpose with confidence, knowing it’s greater than any fear.
JUSTIN’S PHILANTHROPIC WORK
EXPOSING THOUSANDS OF KIDS
Justin founded the 501c3 nonprofit, Kutz 4 Kids, Inc in 2011 with the sole purpose of assisting inner-city children with opportunities to meet, learn and seek direction from local community partners including career professionals like dentist, business owners, politicians, barbers and architects in a series of FREE summer camps at your local libraries.
“Day in college” CAMPUS tours
In addition to summer camps, The Man In The Black Chucks also rents buses and provides a “DAY IN COLLEGE” for under privileged kids. After being the first in his family to go to college, he understands the value of education and networking. This day in college is like no other including exploring a college campus, visiting a college dorm room, attending educational seminars in college classes with a college professor, enjoying campus lunch party and activities with university athletes and organizations. This program goes beyond a simple visit—it’s a chance to inspire dreams, build confidence, and open doors to endless possibilities.
“IT DOES’T MATTER WHERE YOU COME FROM,
ALL THAT MATTERS IS WHERE YOU’RE HEADED!”
TODAY'S STEPS ARE TOMORROW'S FOOTPRINTS.
The Man In The Black Chucks wears the most powerful sneakers in the world and accepts the responsibility they carry; to leave a path worth following. In person and virtually he connects with students across the world offering a light to their darkness. Find the hand that is reaching for you and Step Up knowing YOU ARE WORTH IT!
