OCCUPATION: MBA Recruiter

INTERESTS: Health, fitness, wellness; member Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

SHARE A STORY OR EXPERIENCE THAT DEFINES YOUR JOURNEY AS A BLACK MAN.
Growing up in a predominantly white area, I learned early that my mere presence could be intimidating to some. I knew who I was at a very young age and I carried myself that way. As I reflect, some of my peers and even some teachers always felt the need to try to humble me or put me in my place. Fortunately, I had parents who constantly reinforced that it was okay to be outspoken, intelligent, confident, and strong -

And if anyone had an issue with that, it was their problem to deal with, not mine.

Having that strong foundation and reassurance taught me to never shrink myself in order to make others comfortable. It has also allowed me to be myself unapologetically in ANY room.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Bro. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DEAR BLACK MAN…
It is ok to admit that you are not ok and to seek help. With the weight of the world on our shoulders and having to live up to certain expectations, it can be daunting. Asking for or seeking help does not make you weak. It takes a strong man to not only acknowledge that there is an issue, but also to take the necessary action to correct it.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE A BLACK MAN?
We are literally the blueprint. We shift and shape the culture. We ARE the culture.

HOW CAN BLACK MEN WIN IN AMERICA?
As Black men, we have to kill the "crabs in a barrel" mentality. We have to be willing to share, uplift, hold each other accountable and love one another.