With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner on June 7th. Dr. Skinner was not only a renowned DJ but also a visionary educator who skillfully combined his love for music with a dedication to empowering youth through education. Holding a Ph.D. in education, DJ Symplistik was a pioneer committed to making a positive impact on the community, particularly through innovative STEM/STEAM programs.
Dr. Skinner’s influence transcended his DJ persona. Through Craft Keepers, he embodied values of hard work, determination, resilience, and consistency. His brand earned recognition in esteemed publications such as Medium, One West Magazine, Grind Magazine, and Digital Buzz. He made notable appearances on platforms like Sirius XM’s “The Joint” and The Fly, in addition to his work with Fleet DJs, a premier collective of DJs worldwide. Yet, his most treasured role was mentoring scholars in the Osborne Association YES and YAC programs. Many of these young individuals, with incarcerated parents, discovered their voices under his mentorship, leading to impactful projects like a podcast that strengthened family bonds.
DJ Symplistik leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and genuine commitment to enhancing society through his unique fusion of music and education. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how one can pursue their passion while positively influencing the lives of others. Although Dr. Tivon Skinner’s life was tragically brief, his memory will forever inspire and light the way for many. His contributions to the music and education realms will be cherished, and his spirit will endure through the lives he profoundly impacted.With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner on June 7th. Dr. Skinner was not only a renowned DJ but also a visionary educator who skillfully combined his love for music with a dedication to empowering youth through education. Holding a Ph.D. in education, DJ Symplistik was a pioneer committed to making a positive impact on the community, particularly through innovative STEM/STEAM programs. His multifaceted career is a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between entertainment and education, creating a lasting impact on those he touched.
Dr. Skinner’s influence transcended his DJ persona. Through Craft Keepers, he embodied values of hard work, determination, resilience, and consistency. His brand earned recognition in esteemed publications such as Medium, One West Magazine, Grind Magazine, and Digital Buzz. He made notable appearances on platforms like Sirius XM’s “The Joint” and The Fly, in addition to his work with Fleet DJs, a premier collective of DJs worldwide. Yet, his most treasured role was mentoring scholars in the Osborne Association YES and YAC programs. Many of these young individuals, with incarcerated parents, discovered their voices under his mentorship, leading to impactful projects like a podcast that strengthened family bonds.
DJ Symplistik leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and genuine commitment to enhancing society through his unique fusion of music and education. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how one can pursue their passion while positively influencing the lives of others. Although Dr. Tivon Skinner’s life was tragically brief, his memory will forever inspire and light the way for many. His contributions to the music and education realms will be cherished, and his spirit will endure through the lives he profoundly impacted.
Born and raised in a community where opportunities were often scarce, Dr. Skinner understood firsthand the importance of education and mentorship. His academic journey led him to achieve a Ph.D. in education, an accomplishment he used to break down barriers and create pathways for others. He believed that education should not be confined to traditional classrooms and worked tirelessly to incorporate elements of music and technology into his teaching methods. His innovative approach to STEM/STEAM education provided students with hands-on learning experiences that fostered creativity and critical thinking.
Dr. Skinner’s work with the Osborne Association YES and YAC programs was particularly groundbreaking. These programs serve young people with incarcerated parents, a demographic often overlooked by mainstream educational initiatives. Dr. Skinner saw potential where others saw challenges, mentoring these young individuals and helping them discover their strengths and talents. The podcast project initiated under his guidance allowed these youths to share their stories and connect with their families, creating a sense of community and support that transcended physical barriers. This project not only empowered the participants but also brought attention to the unique struggles faced by children of incarcerated parents, prompting broader societal conversations.
In addition to his contributions to education, DJ Symplistik was a prominent figure in the music industry. His work with Fleet DJs and appearances on platforms like Sirius XM showcased his talent and passion for music. However, it was his ability to use music as a tool for education and empowerment that truly set him apart. Through his brand Craft Keepers, he demonstrated that success is built on a foundation of hard work and perseverance. His recognition in publications like Medium and One West Magazine highlighted his influence and the respect he garnered within both the music and educational communities.
Dr. Skinner’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. He was a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that one person can make a significant difference in the world. His unique ability to blend his passions for music and education created opportunities for youths who might otherwise have been overlooked. Dr. Skinner’s life is a reminder that true success is measured not by personal accolades but by the positive impact one has on others.
As we remember Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner, let us celebrate his life and the remarkable contributions he made. His dedication to education and his innovative approach to teaching will continue to inspire future generations. His work with young people, particularly those facing significant challenges, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to social justice and equity. Dr. Skinner’s legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and hope. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lives he changed and the community he enriched.
Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner was a visionary whose influence extended far beyond the DJ booth. His dedication to education and his innovative approach to teaching left an indelible mark on the community. He will be remembered not only for his musical talents but also for his unwavering commitment to empowering youth and creating opportunities for those who needed them most. Dr. Skinner’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when they dedicate their life to the service of others. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to make the world a better place.With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner on June 7th. Dr. Skinner was a multifaceted individual, known not only for his remarkable skills as a DJ but also as a visionary educator who passionately intertwined his love for music with his dedication to youth empowerment. Holding a Ph.D. in education, DJ Symplistik was a trailblazer committed to positively impacting the community, particularly through innovative STEM/STEAM programs. His work is a shining example of how one can merge entertainment and education to create a lasting and meaningful influence.
Born and raised in a community where opportunities were often limited, Dr. Skinner knew firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship. His academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in education, was a testament to his determination to break down barriers and pave the way for others. Dr. Skinner fervently believed that education should extend beyond traditional classrooms, and he worked tirelessly to integrate music and technology into his teaching methods. His pioneering approach to STEM/STEAM education provided students with hands-on learning experiences that nurtured creativity and critical thinking.
Dr. Skinner’s impact extended well beyond his DJ persona. Through his brand Craft Keepers, he embodied values of hard work, determination, resilience, and consistency. His brand gained recognition in esteemed publications such as Medium, One West Magazine, Grind Magazine, and Digital Buzz. He made notable appearances on platforms like Sirius XM’s “The Joint” and The Fly, and collaborated with Fleet DJs, a premier collective of DJs worldwide. Yet, his most cherished role was as a mentor to scholars in the Osborne Association YES and YAC programs. Many of these young individuals, with incarcerated parents, found their voices under his guidance, leading to impactful projects like a podcast that strengthened family bonds and brought attention to their unique struggles.
Dr. Skinner’s work with the Osborne Association YES and YAC programs was particularly groundbreaking. These initiatives serve young people with incarcerated parents, a demographic often overlooked by mainstream educational systems. Dr. Skinner saw potential where others saw challenges, mentoring these young individuals and helping them discover their strengths and talents. The podcast project he initiated allowed these youths to share their stories and connect with their families, fostering a sense of community and support that transcended physical barriers. This project not only empowered the participants but also highlighted the unique struggles faced by children of incarcerated parents, sparking broader societal conversations.
In addition to his contributions to education, DJ Symplistik was a prominent figure in the music industry. His work with Fleet DJs and appearances on platforms like Sirius XM showcased his talent and passion for music. However, it was his ability to use music as a tool for education and empowerment that truly set him apart. Through Craft Keepers, he demonstrated that success is built on a foundation of hard work and perseverance. His recognition in publications like Medium and One West Magazine highlighted his influence and the respect he garnered within both the music and educational communities.
Dr. Skinner’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy continues to live on through the countless lives he touched. He was a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that one person can make a significant difference in the world. His unique ability to blend his passions for music and education created opportunities for youths who might otherwise have been overlooked. Dr. Skinner’s life is a reminder that true success is measured not by personal accolades but by the positive impact one has on others.
As we remember Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner, let us celebrate his life and the remarkable contributions he made. His dedication to education and his innovative approach to teaching will continue to inspire future generations. His work with young people, particularly those facing significant challenges, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to social justice and equity. Dr. Skinner’s legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and hope. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lives he changed and the community he enriched.
Dr. Tivon “DJ Symplistik” Skinner was a visionary whose influence extended far beyond the DJ booth. His dedication to education and his innovative approach to teaching left an indelible mark on the community. He will be remembered not only for his musical talents but also for his unwavering commitment to empowering youth and creating opportunities for those who needed them most. Dr. Skinner’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when they dedicate their life to the service of others. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to make the world a better place.