In the 1980s, Chris Gardner and his toddler-age son spent nights sleeping in whatever shelter they could find.
They took refuge in the subway's public bathroom, on the trains running underground through San Francisco or, if they were lucky, in a church shelter for homeless mothers and children.
All the while, Gardner - relying only on his brains, resourcefulness and sheer force of will - was putting himself through a stockbroker training program and doing all he could to provide for his son.
The training program eventually led to a multimillion-dollar financial services career for Gardner, and his experience inspired the 2006 movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith.
Educated in the public schools of Milwaukee, Gardner aims to bring a message of possibility to Chattanooga's youth and education professionals.
RECOMMENDED READINGBooks that Chris Gardner said have changed his life:* "Manchild and the Promised Land" by Claude Brown* "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Haley* "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya AngelouIF YOU GO* What: Chris Gardner, keynote speaker at the Association for the Education of Young Children's annual conference* When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday* Where: Chattanooga Convention Center* Cost: $10
"Chris Gardner is not doing anything that you cannot do. Period, end of story," he said last week.
On Thursday, Gardner will give the keynote address at the Association for the Education of Young Children's annual early childhood education conference, held at the Chattanooga Convention Center. His speech is open to the public.
STRIVING FOR SUCCESS
Gardner, who also is a motivational speaker, has written two books, including his best-selling autobiography. His philanthropic efforts include advocacy for the homeless and support for public schools. The brokerage firm he started in 1987, Gardner Rich LLC, has offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
Gardner is passionate about helping others break through cycles of poverty and desperation, as he did. He says society's failure to respect and properly compensate teachers for their vital work reflects misplaced priorities.
"Teachers change the world," he said. "Folks need to start respecting educators and teachers for what they do. The truth of the matter is a teacher can't just be a teacher any more. In the classroom, you've got to be a teacher, a social worker, a nurse, a guidance counselor, a momma, a daddy."
STRAIGHT TALK
Gardner was an associate producer on the set of the "Pursuit of Happyness," and he said he actually wrote a few scenes.
Smith initially became interested in making the film after watching an interview Gardner did with Barbara Walters in 2003, Gardner said.
Gardner even insisted upon changing one crucial scene on a basketball court involving Smith and his real-life son Jaden, playing Gardner's son Christopher.
In the original screenplay, Smith discourages his son from striving to "go pro" in basketball.
Gardner said on the day that scene was filmed, he approached Smith.
"I told him, 'You can't tell that to that little boy, because that's not what my momma told me,'" he said.
Gardner said Smith should instead tell the boy, "Don't ever let anybody tell you what you can't do."
After some "intense" debate, Smith finally said, "You know what? Chris is right, 'cause my momma told me the same thing," Gardner recalled.
The script was changed.
KEY TO SUCCESS
Gardner said his childhood was filled with trials including poverty, an abusive stepfather and his mother's trips to jail.
"I had a stepfather who was fond of reminding me every day, 'I ain't your daddy. You ain't got no daddy,'" he said. "So I promised myself as a 5-year-old boy, when I grow up and become a man and have children, my children are going to know who their father is. That (message) found its way into the film."
Absentee fathers are the underlying source of countless social ills, he said.
"Children without fathers, boys and girls, are going to have challenges that are going to be greater than any kind of social disparities," he said.
Gardner emphasizes that all people have the potential to succeed, regardless of social status, as long as they care about what they're doing.
"Passion is probably the most important element in success. It's not where you went to school, it's not who you know, it's not anything that can be faked. Passion has got to be in your soul," he said. "When you're bold enough to do something that you're passionate about, that's going to make the difference."
Looking back on his life, Gardner said he doesn't regret any of his painful experiences.
"I wouldn't be the father that I am to my children had I not had the stepfather I had," he said. "I would not change a thing. As Dr. Maya Angelou said many times, 'Wouldn't take nothing for my journey now.'"