Rufus Horton is from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, a father of three sons, a husband, a Howard University alumni and an avid nature lover. Throughout Rufus’ journey, he’s had the professional fortune to live several careers, all with a common thread of community service.
Rufus started his career in the Family Mediation Office at the D.C. Superior Court. He first served as a family mediator and later as the program manager for nearly ten years.
After his tenure at the D.C. Superior Court, Rufus left to become the lead singer and producer of his internationally renowned Reggae band, where his message/lyrics focused on inspiring, empowering and educating its listeners. Using his music, Rufus answered his call to activism by speaking to and performing for inmates at maximum-security prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, schools and churches. He also started the Chance To Grow program to help artists understand the power and impact of their words.
In 2009, Rufus returned to St. Thomas and shortly thereafter, became a social studies teacher at his alma mater, Charlotte Amalie H.S. He became the assistant girls basketball coach and later assumed the position as head coach. Rufus then created a girls basketball college prep program at the school, which he expanded territory-wide as the VI College Prospects Foundation. The foundation provided professional basketball training for girls in grades 5–12; taught life-skills; facilitated career workshops; provided opportunities for college scholarships; and trained students in college readiness.
In joining the CollegeBound Foundation’s team, Rufus looks forward to making a great impact with youths in Baltimore City and becoming a greater force in empowering youth.