What’s going on everybody my name is Anthony West, and I am a 16 year old rising senior at Natchez Early College Academy in Natchez, Mississippi. I am the oldest on my mom side and I am the youngest on my Dads’ side. Born and raised in Natchez, I have been shaped by a strong family legacy, passion for sports, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around me.

Since 2009, Natchez has been the place I have proudly called home. Although it is a small city of around 14,500 people, it is rich in history, and my family’s contributions have played a crucial role in its’ history. As I got older, I have developed a deeper sense of appreciation for the legacy that generations of the West Family has built in our community.

My great-granddad, George Ferdinand West Sr., was a major civil rights leader and he eventually became the first African American elected to Natchez Board of Aldermen since the Reconstruction era. Following his passing, my great-grandmother, Artimese Tarlton Morris West, continued that legacy of public service by becoming the first African American alderwoman in the City of Natchez. Their leadership helped pave the way for future generations and demonstrated the importance of courage, service, and perseverance

My granddad, James Tolbert West, is the owner of West Gate Funeral Home. A family business that has served the people of Natchez for generations. Originally known as West Funeral Home, the business was closed for several years before my granddad purchased and reopened it on July 4, 2013. Since then, West Gate Funeral Home has continued its tradition of serving families throughout the community with compassion and professionalism. The moto that we stand by is “Legacy & Care” because the rich history of the funeral home is from the “Legacy”, and the “Care” is because everybody is somebody no matter who you are and where your from. We all need a shoulder to lean on during a time of need. Growing up around a family business that values service has taught me the importance of dedication, hard work, responsibility, and caring for others.

Education has also played a huge role in my journey. I have attended Susie B. West Elementary School, which was named after my great-great-grandmother. Having a school named in honor of a member of my family has always reminded me that we have so much history with our last name. We must cherish it and build upon it just like my ancestors did during their time. Following elementary school, I went to Robert Lewis Magnet School for sixth grade during Covid, before going to Cathedral School for seventh and eighth grade.

In middle school I was finally able to play football. A sport that has a tremendous influence on my life. My love for football began when I was six years old. It all started when my granddad gave me a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt. At the time, I had no idea that a simple gift would spark a lifelong passion. Football has provided countless memories with family and friends and has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, determination, leadership, and life itself.

My passion for the game of football never faded. My parents challenged me to play with greater intensity and commitment. When I stopped playing, I continued to dream about being involved in the sport in some way. Overtime I realized that if I could not play football I wanted to talk about it, write about it, or work within the industry. Whether that be as a sports journalist, broadcaster, analyst, or sports agent. I hope to build a future connected to the game that has inspired me for so many years.

Outside of football, I am actively involved in track and field and choir. I have competed in track since middle school, and each year I have worked hard to improve my speed and performance. Track has taught me the value of consistency, discipline, and perseverance. In addition, I enjoy singing in the choir, which many people would consider my hidden talent. Music has given me another outlet for self-expression and personal growth.

As I prepare to enter my senior year of high school, I am motivated by both my family’s legacy and my own ambitions. The West family has made meaningful contributions to Natchez through leadership, service, education, and community involvement. I hope to honor that legacy by pursuing my goals with the same determination and commitment that my ancestors demonstrated before me. No matter where life takes me, I want to continue making my family proud, serving my community, and creating a legacy of my own for future generations.