Social Studies Show: Episode 17 - Kortel Autrey

 Kortel Autrey is a Hollywood Stuntman that is on the rise! You’ve seen his work in Straight out of Compton, Bad Boys for Life, Gemini Man, Charm City Kings, Fast and Furious - Hobbies and Shaw, commercials, awards shows and music videos.  This all comes from humble beginnings and the desire to create a better life. 

In this episode we discuss his journey originating in the inner-city of Los Angeles; South Central/Watts to working on feature films.  He was exposed to bikes when he was 4 years old by his father. At the time,He thought bikes were just recreational fun. He didn’t realize my father used bikes as a motivational tool to keep him on a righteous path..  As an adult, he now understands the detrimental effects of the crack epidemic. His father, mother and grandmother were all instrumental in him becoming the man I am today. The phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child” is an understatement in the “hood”.  As a youth, he developed a passion for peddle bikes, BMX bikes, motorcycles, dirt bikes riding moto and stunting in the streets. Growing up in the inner-city riding dirt bikes was not as tangible to his community at the time. Due to the lack of resources, people of color are not exposed to the same opportunities as others. 

Also in the episode Kortel discusses the role of community and how through the love of  bike culture he helped create their own. Taking to the streets he and his friends developed stunt riding on another level. He was able to master the skill which helped him develop respect and relationships with different neighborhoods and gangs. At a young age he was very aware that the ability to stunt ride could be something truly awesome; something his community needs to help mend its brokenness. He began to teach his peers how to ride and stunt ride hosting  street rides to help unify gangs in our neighborhoods. That’s where the concept “Bikes Over Bang’n” was developed and his non profit was born. Kortel lost many close friends and family members from senseless gang violence so he created a different path for himself and a desire to share that road to success to the youth. Once  he began to see opportunities within the industry, he was able to capitalize on them. Carrying out his vision of unifying the Black community. He  began to coordinate music videos which brought income into the homes of the inner city. In his spare time also builds custom bikes for celebrities  in the industry. Usher and London on da  Track are just a few of his esteemed clientele.  Accolades include being nominated for a Taurus World Stunt Award for his stunt work in  “Gemini Man” and “Fast and Furious Hobbies and Shaw”.  He  is  currently mentored by Jalil “Jay” Lynch who is not only an amazing Stunt-Driver but a dynamic individual. His wife Quanda and son Kortel II are very important aspects of his success.