FAQ: Omarion Calloway's 'More Than Survival Guide' for Young Caregivers

What is the ‘More Than Survival Guide’ about?

It is a raw, lived-experience guide by Omarion Calloway that weaves his personal story as a young caregiver with lessons, reminders, and hope for children carrying adult responsibilities.

Who is Omarion Calloway and why is he qualified to write this guide?

Omarion Calloway was a caregiver from age 10, caring for his grandmother with cancer and his uncle who couldn’t speak clearly, and he survived homelessness and bullying while earning over $1.3 million in scholarships.

What specific caregiving responsibilities did Omarion have as a child?

He memorized seizure protocols, changed diapers, held his grandmother steady in the bathtub, scrubbed sheets, cooked meals, and learned to interpret his uncle’s non-verbal cues and gestures.

How many children in the United States are young caregivers like Omarion?

Over 5.4 million children in the United States are young caregivers, with many being Black and Brown youth.

What challenges did Omarion face beyond his caregiving responsibilities?

He experienced homelessness, bullying, the loss of both his grandmother and uncle, and watched his mother struggle while working two jobs and crying in private.

What educational achievements has Omarion accomplished?

He earned over $1.3 million in scholarships, made national headlines, and is preparing to graduate from New York University in 2026.

What organizations has Omarion worked with to amplify his message?

He has worked with the NAACP to amplify stories of Black excellence and appeared on The Sherri Show.

Why is this guide particularly significant for Black and Brown communities?

The content notes that many of the over 5.4 million young caregivers in the US are Black and Brown youth, making this guide especially relevant to these communities.

What personal milestones is Omarion looking forward to in 2026?

He is preparing to graduate from NYU in 2026, the same year his mother, who sacrificed her own dreams, will finally receive her degree.