Comedian Kier “Junior” Spates is helping raise awareness of sickle cell. On June 5, 2021 at 8:00am the 3rd Annual Kier’s Hope 5K Run and Fun Walk will be held at the Margaret Hunt-Hill Bridge. Registration begins at 7:00am.
Son, brother, friend, comedian are a few words to describe the man, with the infectious smile, known as “Junior.” He’s also a survivor, warrior, humble and one aspiring to greatness!
When you hear him on the radio providing comic relief, mornings on the nationally-syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” listeners would never know the pain he’s feeling. He’s a Sickle Cell champion, living life with Sickle Cell Disease!
Junior founded the Kier’s Hope Foundation, Inc. to not only inspire and educate families affected by Sickle Cell disease but by his example, providing education programs, services, and funding resources.
His message to the 150,000 Americans who live with Sickle Cell Disease, and the three million who carry the trait, “You are not alone in this fight. Kier’s Hope is here for your support. We are all bound by blood.” Our Annual run supports Junior Claus. Junior Claus is a holiday outreach program to provide meals for families, home needs and toy program for sickle cell affected children.
Sickle Cell Disease puts an increasing financial and emotional strain on families during the holidays. Junior with his foundation, Kier’s Hope, wants to help manage the holiday stress with its assistance program. Together we are Working to Change the Shape of Sickle Cell Disease.”
The State of Texas in 2019 declared that the month of June as Kiers Hope Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the City of Dallas declared the first Saturday in June, Kier’s Hope Day.
This year’s sponsors include the Steve Harvey Morning Show, the State of Texas, the City of Dallas, Councilman Chad West, WFAA’s Tashara Parker, Witherite Law Group LLP, Global Blood Therapeutics, Trinity Groves, 105.7fm, I Heart Radio and more!
Junior is said to be “the next big thing in stand-up comedy.” This 2018 EMMY nominated writer, hails from Houston, and considers Dallas his second home. He has traveled the globe with legendary talents such as: The Queen of Soul, the late Aretha Franklin; Frankie Beverly and Maze; and Anita Baker. In 2005, he toured as one of the primary acts on the “Rickey Smiley and Friends Show.” Additionally, Junior has gone on military/United Service Organizations (USO) tours and visited college campuses.
As an actor, Junior has had many on-screen television appearances. He has traveled with several popular stage plays, including “Confessions” that starred Kelly Price, the late Gerald Levert and Tommy Ford.
Junior is truly a force to be reckoned with. So, when you think of this up-and-coming, stand-up comedic great, remember his belief that laughter doeth the heart good like medicine.
