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Written by Spenser Simmons | The Next Urban Millionaire
Under the bright lights of loanDepot Park, in front of a cheering crowd, Christopher R. Griffin stood center field—humbled, grateful, and thinking not of the honor he was receiving, but of the two young boys standing beside him.
Griffin, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighter, U.S. Air Force Reservist, and dedicated mentor, was recognized by the Miami Marlins Foundation as a Community Game Changer during their May 17 game against the Tampa Bay Rays. For South Dade residents who know him, the honor came as no surprise—Griffin has long been a force for good in the lives of youth and families across the region.
As a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, Griffin mentors Khai Sinckler, a thoughtful young boy with big dreams. His fellow firefighter and friend, Darius Avant, mentors Khai’s twin brother, Karter. Together, they’ve built a unique brotherhood—two first responders guiding two young boys through life’s journey with consistency, compassion, and care.
Both Khai and Karter were by Griffin’s side that night, experiencing their very first Major League Baseball game as VIP guests. The joy on their faces said it all—this was about more than baseball. It was about memories, mentorship, and being seen.
“This moment is special because of them,” Griffin said. “Mentorship isn’t a title—it’s a responsibility. And every child deserves someone to show up for them, to believe in them, and to help them dream bigger.”
Griffin lives that mission every day. Through his nonprofit, Everyone Achieves Together, Inc. (E.A.T.), he has created transformative programs focused on mentorship, education, financial literacy, health and wellness, and the arts. One of his most impactful efforts—the E.A.T. Swim Scholarship Program—was born out of personal tragedy. After losing two family members to drowning, Griffin vowed to change the narrative.
In Summer 2024, E.A.T. provided over 300 free swim lessons to children in underserved neighborhoods across South Dade. The program, in partnership with Miami-Dade Parks, is saving lives and giving kids not just a skill—but a sense of safety and confidence in and around water.
“My pain became my purpose,” Griffin shared. “If even one life is saved because of this program, it’s worth it.”
His impact doesn’t stop there. Griffin also serves as a mentor in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, and is a proud member of the Richmond-Perrine (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He remains actively involved in several service-based organizations, including 100 Black Men of South Florida, IAFF Local 1403, South Dade Connections, and the Progressive Firefighters Association of Miami-Dade County.
The Community Game Changer Award is reserved for those who lead with love, who show up consistently, and who create ripples of change that reach far beyond themselves.
As the game continued and the spotlight dimmed, Griffin returned to his seat, hand-in-hand with Khai and Karter—two young lives already transformed by the simple yet powerful act of being present.
Christopher R. Griffin, Founder of Everyone Achieves Together, Inc., stands proudly on the field at loanDepot Park after being honored as the Miami Marlins Foundation’s Community Game Changer on May 17, 2025. Joined by his mentees Khai and Karter Sinckler, fellow firefighter and mentor Darius Avant, and Marlins staff, the moment highlights Griffin’s unwavering commitment to service, mentorship, and uplifting the South Dade community.
Photo Courtesy of Spenser Simmons | The Next Urban Millionaire
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