Saint Ranson(I)
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Saint Ranson, also known as Saint Lozon Ranson, is a multifaceted artist, actor, and producer recognized for his leadership and advocacy in the performing arts. Dedicated to using theatre and the arts as tools for advocacy, healing, and empowerment, Ranson's work focuses on inspiring young people and helping them navigate and overcome trauma.
Saint Lozon Ranson was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on December 16th to Mary Ann Ranson and Sant Applewhite. He grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, abuse, and homelessness. Much of his childhood was traumatic, particularly as he witnessed his mother, Mary Ann, suffer domestic violence at the hands of the men she dated.
As a young boy, he often felt isolated, enduring relentless bullying and being the outcast of his family. Despite this, he remained committed to his education and personal growth, even during times when he wanted to stay home to protect his mother. Her unwavering insistence that he continue attending school instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance and determination.
Growing up as the only boy among his mother's four children and without the presence of his father during his formative years, Ranson drew strength and guidance from his experiences in school and church, which became pivotal in shaping his character and aspirations.
Saint grew up in a low-income household with his single mother and three sisters, living in HUD housing and relying on food stamps to get by. His childhood was marked by hardship, as he struggled to find his identity amidst bullying at school and neglect from those closest to him.
Mary Ann's relationship with her parents was often strained. Many nights were marked by arguments and fights, as she struggled with feelings of being unloved and unaccepted by them. This tension extended to Saint, who often bore the brunt of this family discord. He experienced neglect and a lack of favor from his grandparents simply because he was her child.
Although Saint Lozon now shares a good relationship with his father, his father was largely absent during his childhood. Saint was primarily raised by his late mother, Mary Ann, alongside his late great-grandmother Ms. Clara Jefferson, his late grandparents Amzi Burt Jr. and Susie Mae Burt, and the elders in his church community.
Saint grew up in Riverton, a neighborhood in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he attended Little Riverton Elementary before moving on to J.W. Stampley Elementary just up the street. Despite the challenges in his environment, academics became a safe haven for him. He thrived in school, consistently making the principal's list and earning numerous awards for his achievements.
Life in Riverton was far from easy, as the community was rife with gang activity. His father, once known for his involvement in gang life as a kingpin, cast a long shadow. Yet Saint often found himself the target of bullying and ridicule. One particularly harrowing incident occurred when a local boy, "Lil George" Brooks, pulled a gun on him while he sat watching television at home. Holding the weapon to Saint's face, Brooks said chillingly, "I oughta blow yo punk ass brains out." Brooks, who has since passed away, was just one of the many figures Saint feared growing up.
Saint knew early on that his future couldn't be rooted in Clarksdale. Determined to escape, he graduated from J.W. Stampley and enrolled at Oakhurst Junior High School, where his life began to change. It was there, in the Oakhurst Marching Band, that he met his best friend, Elliot M. Glenn. Elliot, who came from a loving and supportive family, became a significant figure in Saint's life. The two grew inseparable, forming a bond that spanned over 20 years and included becoming college roommates at Jackson State University.
In the marching band, Saint found a sense of belonging and purpose. The community not only provided him with a creative outlet but also exposed him to the stability and support he had long craved. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would steer him toward a brighter future.
Saint's love for performance began to emerge during his time in the Oakhurst Junior High School Marching Band. While it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what sparked his passion, the experience came at a pivotal moment in his life. Perhaps it was the sense of community he found-the shared excitement and energy of being part of something larger than himself-or the vibrant sounds of the trumpets and cymbals, the instruments he started with, before transitioning to the bass drum in concert band.
The marching band became more than just an extracurricular activity for Saint-it became a sanctuary where he found a family, a purpose, and the spark that would ignite his lifelong passion for performance.
Saint Lozon Ranson was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on December 16th to Mary Ann Ranson and Sant Applewhite. He grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, abuse, and homelessness. Much of his childhood was traumatic, particularly as he witnessed his mother, Mary Ann, suffer domestic violence at the hands of the men she dated.
As a young boy, he often felt isolated, enduring relentless bullying and being the outcast of his family. Despite this, he remained committed to his education and personal growth, even during times when he wanted to stay home to protect his mother. Her unwavering insistence that he continue attending school instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance and determination.
Growing up as the only boy among his mother's four children and without the presence of his father during his formative years, Ranson drew strength and guidance from his experiences in school and church, which became pivotal in shaping his character and aspirations.
Saint grew up in a low-income household with his single mother and three sisters, living in HUD housing and relying on food stamps to get by. His childhood was marked by hardship, as he struggled to find his identity amidst bullying at school and neglect from those closest to him.
Mary Ann's relationship with her parents was often strained. Many nights were marked by arguments and fights, as she struggled with feelings of being unloved and unaccepted by them. This tension extended to Saint, who often bore the brunt of this family discord. He experienced neglect and a lack of favor from his grandparents simply because he was her child.
Although Saint Lozon now shares a good relationship with his father, his father was largely absent during his childhood. Saint was primarily raised by his late mother, Mary Ann, alongside his late great-grandmother Ms. Clara Jefferson, his late grandparents Amzi Burt Jr. and Susie Mae Burt, and the elders in his church community.
Saint grew up in Riverton, a neighborhood in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he attended Little Riverton Elementary before moving on to J.W. Stampley Elementary just up the street. Despite the challenges in his environment, academics became a safe haven for him. He thrived in school, consistently making the principal's list and earning numerous awards for his achievements.
Life in Riverton was far from easy, as the community was rife with gang activity. His father, once known for his involvement in gang life as a kingpin, cast a long shadow. Yet Saint often found himself the target of bullying and ridicule. One particularly harrowing incident occurred when a local boy, "Lil George" Brooks, pulled a gun on him while he sat watching television at home. Holding the weapon to Saint's face, Brooks said chillingly, "I oughta blow yo punk ass brains out." Brooks, who has since passed away, was just one of the many figures Saint feared growing up.
Saint knew early on that his future couldn't be rooted in Clarksdale. Determined to escape, he graduated from J.W. Stampley and enrolled at Oakhurst Junior High School, where his life began to change. It was there, in the Oakhurst Marching Band, that he met his best friend, Elliot M. Glenn. Elliot, who came from a loving and supportive family, became a significant figure in Saint's life. The two grew inseparable, forming a bond that spanned over 20 years and included becoming college roommates at Jackson State University.
In the marching band, Saint found a sense of belonging and purpose. The community not only provided him with a creative outlet but also exposed him to the stability and support he had long craved. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would steer him toward a brighter future.
Saint's love for performance began to emerge during his time in the Oakhurst Junior High School Marching Band. While it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what sparked his passion, the experience came at a pivotal moment in his life. Perhaps it was the sense of community he found-the shared excitement and energy of being part of something larger than himself-or the vibrant sounds of the trumpets and cymbals, the instruments he started with, before transitioning to the bass drum in concert band.
The marching band became more than just an extracurricular activity for Saint-it became a sanctuary where he found a family, a purpose, and the spark that would ignite his lifelong passion for performance.