Come to this exciting book talk with Carter Bonas and his friend Aaliyah Shabazz! Carter Bonas is a rising young PGA Jr. golfer, author, and entrepreneur on the autism spectrum who has transformed personal challenges into platforms for success and advocacy. 

Building on his advocacy and entrepreneurial spirit, Carter launched Carter’s Spectrum Golf, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free golf lessons and gear to veterans and children in need. In 2025, he introduced a Youth Golf Tour, consisting of monthly mini tournaments designed to build skills, confidence, and community among participating youth. The tour culminates annually on April 25, officially proclaimed “Carter Bonas Day”, in celebration of Autism Awareness Month, youth achievement, and excellence. 

Carter has been honored as one of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation’s “Golf Flutie Fellows,” named Sports Illustrated’s Sports Kid of the Year (2022), featured on NBC Nightly News Kids Edition, and recognized by UPS and the Masters as the 2023 UPS Unstoppable CEO. His memoir, Swinging Beyond the Spectrum, published in April 2025 further details his journey, underscoring how resilience, inclusivity, and a passion for giving back can transform adversity into a force for positive change. On May 25, 2025 Carter was inducted into the African American Collegiate & Youth Golfers Hall of fame in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Aaliyah Shabazz is a high achieving student and leader of many club/ organizations. She has been recognized for her outstanding dedication to community service. Aaliyah has competed in numerous events, such as the Black Heritage Tour, the Legacy Championship (a pre-qualifier for the Underrated Tour, presented by Steph Curry), the Mid-Atlantic PGA Junior Golf League, and the Under Armour Tour.  At the end of 2025 she was invited to play in the United Golfer's Association (UGA) Invitational which took place in February of 2026. In May 2026, Aaliyah was inducted into the African American Collegiate & Youth Golfers Hall of Fame in West Palm Beach, Florida.