Legacy “I figured that if I could walk across America pushing a cart for eight months, I can do this,” Anthony says, standing tall with decades of resilience behind him. From Iraq to the deep woods of Appalachia, his beard shines with strands of gray carrying the imprint of hardship while his eyes illuminate the grace he’s picked up along the way. As to why he chooses to walk rather than support these causes in another, perhaps much easier way, he reflects, “I grew up watching shows on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) about all these little towns where history unfolded – places where the Underground Railroad ran – where the tunnels were hidden. I wanted to walk the path that others walked before me and honestly, I wanted to see how I would be treated as an older black man with a greying beard.” The answer to that question may be somewhat surprising. As to what Anthony says he has found thus far in communities and towns across America, he says simply, “I have found kindness.” While he chose to embark on the 2015 journey alone, this time his path is filled with a few new faces – a group he refers to as his “tramily” - a trail family. Having met along the way, Anthony says it’s not uncommon for hikers to meet up with others who share a common destination, making the decision to move forward together. The groups set up camp, share meals, and in general, look out for one another. Often using an app like FarOut, groups like Anthony’s primarily rely on technology to download trail maps by state, but they also keep an eye on the ‘white blazes’—white paint stripes on trees that mark the main trails. While Anthony’s “can do” attitude may make this monumental feat look like child’s play, he reiterates that it is not always easy. “The trail challenges more than just the body, and for that reason, you have to have a good WHY for doing this, otherwise, you’ll quit.” For him, the WHY is Warren. When storms rage, or the wind turns his backpack into a parachute trying to toss him off a mountain, when loneliness creeps in or exhaustion prevails - he thinks of Warren. He thinks of legacy. “If I stop on this journey, then the story becomes; Grandpa almost made it. I cannot have that. I want my story to be told as; your Grandpa made it; he accomplished this huge task because he loved you,” he says. Reflecting for a moment on why he is so headstrong and determined, he says, “I have to give credit to my Grandpa. I am this type of person 10 JULY 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM Appalachian Trail It takes most thru-hikers 5 to 7 months to complete the entire trail.
