Thione Niang - Impacting Lives Around The World - Memoirs Of An Eternal Optimist

USPA NEWS - Dare To Dream: Mr Thione Niang who was born in Kalack, Senegal is making a huge impact around the world. A true story of a man who had a dream and he is living it. In 2000, Thione Niang immigrated to the United States with only 20 dollars and little fluency in English.

A true role model for all Africans to follow. Thione Niang is setting the tone for “Young People to Work Hard“ His pictures and words of wisdom inspire so many people each day to do better and to not let life´s circumstances deter them from their goals and dreams. In addition, many have found his recent published book ''Memoirs of an Eternal Optimist´´ to be an important factor in their lives, allowing them to grow and prosper in their own individuality, go after their dreams, not be afraid to dream even bigger, and get over the fact that they haven´t a clue about how to make it happen. Thione Niang is such an inspiration.

Passion to Learn and Hunger to Realize Greatness - Humble Beginnings:

Despite all of Thione setbacks when he arrived US, he never lost sight of the belief that he could make a positive difference in the world. He maintained confidence in his abilities and persevered through every obstacle, learning from his experiences and getting back on the metaphorical horse when he fell off. He was determination to succeed in the U.S and had to work on side jobs while working on his degree, in order to send money to his family of 28 children back in Senegal.

The Long Journey

"There comes a time when you have to drop your burdens in order to fight for yourself and your dreams." It was a significant figure in Thione Niang's early life in the US that awakened him and he struggled and obtain Master´s degree from Myers University in Cleveland Ohio then move into politics and gradually as a natural leader. He became a regional organizer during Barack Obama´s 2008 presidential campaign and later as the national chairman for the Young Democrats of America college caucus and the Chair of the International Affairs Committee for the Young Democrats of America.

Inspired by the potential of young people to change the socioeconomic and political aspects of their communities, In 2009, he launched the Give1 Project which is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the engagement and empowerment of young activists and leaders to advance and change the environments in which they live. Give1 Project now operates in more than 25 countries.

Today, Thione is a mentor, political activist, community leader, international motivational speaker and consultant. It is clear that his journey so far has been all about the empowerment of others ““ and in the process, empowering himself. Thione is truly an example of an ordinary African who is transforming the world with his extraordinary outlook on life. Named by Complex Magazine in 2013 as one of the 10 young activists making change in the world. He also featured in Applause Africa´s magazine as one of Africa´s Forty under Forty young leaders. Since 2011, Thione has served as the national Co-Chair of GEN44, the DNC and Obama for America´s newest program to cultivate and empower a rising generation of Democratic leaders.

Impacting Lives World Wide

Front one city to another, and one country to another is the life of Thione Niang. He travels the world engaging the youth through messages of leadership, service and civic participation so as youth around the world can benefit from it. After his recent published book ''Memoirs of an Eternal Optimist'' which is "A personal story of triumph over obstacle, perseverance and the power of dream". Thione have been on a world book tour and it has been a fantastic journey bringing out so many people at each of his book stops.

Thione Niang connects with other people's lives - their misfortunes and missed opportunities - because he has been through it all and triumphed. One of his Facebook message said that ''Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without- Looking within oneself to find the inspiration and power to act from this place. Look not to the outside world for liberation or happiness. Take the responsibility for oneself and become that what we are seeking.'' ~ Thione Niang. On September 14, 2015, 120 young global leaders from 30 countries flew to Washington DC for the 5th year celebration of Give1 Project and part of the celebration was the first book lunch of ''Memoirs of an Eternal Optimist'' in US. After the celebration which took place from September 14 - 20, Thione spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus on the panel of Sustainable energy. His next book signing and reception was New York at the Wall Street on September 29.

At the book signing in New York, there was an inspiration moment when Ben Niass showed up at this book signing. Ben Niass was the person who gave Thione his first job as a busboy when he arrived in New York during his fresh years in the US. In Thione own words, he said '' He is so grateful for Ben'' Thione showed Ben a part of the book where he talked about him. ''Thank you for giving me a shot when I was a fresh new immigrant with no skills. Cleaning tables from your restaurants allowed me to dream bigger and do things I couldn't imagine for others. I have never met a man who works as hard and as humble as this brother. He believes in excellence in all that he does. He remain an inspiration to me and many.'' Thione posted on Facebook.

Thione will be doing a book signing at University of Massachusetts, AMHERST, MA on October 3rd follow by a book signing in Cotonou, Benin, a country where he was recently bestowed by President Yayi Boni with the distinction of National Commandant in the National Order of Benin upon Mr. Thione in recognition of Give1 Project´s work in inspiring the youth of Benin since 2011.

On October 8th, Thione will be in Lomé, Togo and on October 11, he will be in Atlanta, USA and back again outside of the country on October 17 for a book signing in Brussels, Belgium and October 19th in London, England and the journey continues hopefully to one day visit Austin, Texas where his name has recently being praised by African students at the University of Texas At Austin who are followers of Thione Niang. He is an inspiration to many young people.

What people are saying About Memoirs of an Eternal Optimist

''I started reading this book and could not put it down. What a beautiful story of resilience! Thank you Thione Niang for sharing such an inspiring journey.'' ~ Ouli Sarr

Thione Niang deliver inspirational stories to any crowd because of his own experiences in life. He continues to share his inspirational message worldwide. Many people are watching him on YouTube and thousands interact with him regularly on Facebook. It isn't just his great smile and his way with words that motivates people to take action like never before.