Blankenship grew up with a mother who was a missionary and a father who was educated at historical Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He has a B.S. in Marketing from South Carolina State University and master's degrees in Human Resources Development and Business Administration from Webster University.

Years later, the husband and father of two sons, ages 13 and 9, uses his knowledge and experiences to spread knowledge of Black culture. He also educates African-Americans on myths that have long been upheld throughout the culture. Currently he is writing a book, "The Color Blind Society: Myth or Reality."

Blankenship works for Clemson University in Clemson, SC. He is the founder and president of his own organization, the Project Life Foundation, which has grown to more than 5,000 members since it began in 1991. The Project Life Foundation was created to give back to the African-American community.

As president of the Anderson chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Blankenship mentors to youth and empowers citizens. Regular activities include a Historically Black College and University college fair, an annual Botillion for young men in high school and a back-to-school drive.

Blankenship has seen positive results with the botillion alone; seeing seven of eleven recent attendees go off to institutions of higher learning. It is his philosophy that to plan and share with young people influences the life you lead to be successful.

Members of Blankenship's fraternity will soon present the community with a "State of Anderson Address." This effort will highlight areas including economics, healthcare and education for Anderson city residents. The address will be set up as a summit, with panel experts to speak for the progress and current state of each indicator. An agenda of this exercise will be to encourage Chamber of Commerce members to assist with efforts for Anderson youth.

However, it is the desire to influence the way African-Americans live, receive recognition and are remembered that keeps a fire lit within him.

"If you are Black, from November to February, everything is all about you," says Blankenship. "As of March 1st, nothing else exists," he adds.

He hopes that his work allows African-Americans to live in prosperity and receive recognition from November to February, and every other month.