Allen Norris, a young African American man from Clairton with a desire to take a mind-blowing journey, decided to travel from Pennsylvania to California, by foot, to see what the rest of the country looked like and expand his mind. Last month, he finished that journey and gave a glimpse into the life-changing experience.
“I learned the importance of taking a leap of faith and following my dreams no matter how compelling or crazy it looks. Ever since I was younger, I always had this vision to be a superhero and save the world,” Norris said. “In high school I began thinking of ways I could fulfill that vision. So, I decided the first step was to travel across the country, spreading peace and the idea that you can create your own reality. Life is really what you make it.”
A few short years later, Norris up and left to pursue his journey, and he did so without the approval or consent of family and friends.
“I didn’t tell anyone, I just left and then everyone found out on Facebook; including my mother. My family was extremely worried and not the least bit supportive at first. My friends thought it was crazy but amazing. Eventually, my family came around and became my biggest cheerleaders and all the support from family, friends and strangers played a large role in keeping me going.”
The National Guard donated a military grade sleeping bag and pocketknife to Norris to take along with him during his travels.
“I would have to say my sleeping bag, compass and my pocket knife were my essentials,” he said. “The sleeping bag is water-proof, meant to trap body heat. And the pocket knife is great for survival, and self-defense.”
Norris would rest by often taking breaks to stretch. He would sleep through the morning and walked at night because he felt it was the best way to keep warm.
The journey took about two months for him to complete.
“I walked the majority of the journey. I didn’t hitchhike, but was blessed to have a couple people stop and drive me a couple miles. No matter the distance, two miles by car was extremely helpful as opposed to being on foot,” Norris said.
He arrived in California on Jan. 4.
“From this experience, I learned that exactly who I am and why I’m here. If I were to take anything from this journey, it’s the idea that everyone really is connected in the universe and can only change as one. What we do affects the world around us, whether it be good or bad. I want to grow and spread my message and connect with as many people as possible.”
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