Do you feel as though you live your life with purpose? If so what is the driving
force for that purpose?
Absolutely. It’s a surreal and rewarding feeling to be able to function as an extension of
God in any room that I step in. I feel the driving force for that purpose manifests in two
ways. First, in being myself no matter what I am doing. There is no purpose if I’m not
being authentic to who I am. Secondly, my daughter needs to physically see what living
with purpose looks like.
Why is it so difficult for black American men in this culture to be themselves,
their essential selves, and remain who they truly are?
We have been taught and conditioned to be less than who we really are. So, when you
have to go against the grain to challenge things that are being taught & implemented
countrywide, and those same forces are continually modernizing laws to continue
withholding truthful and accurate events from our education system while also
mobilizing cowards to break the law but never calling them thugs, it can become a
burdensome mountain that all of us may not choose to work through in order to become
and then remain our essential self.
What is something that people misunderstand about you?
I have a quiet nature but I’m not really a quiet person. I’m more so an ambivert so most
people are introduced to the introvert side first.
What in life is beautiful to you?
Other than life itself, I don’t know if there’s anything more beautiful than music. There’s
something Godly special about melodies, harmonies, chords & lyrics being married to a
rhythm. Even the creation of it gives a euphoric feeling.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration for me comes from all parts of life. All of the experiences that I’ve lived
through are also muses to draw from. I won’t disqualify the uncomfortable or ugly things
because I learn from those as well.
Who is the most impressionable man in your life?
My father is definitely that person for me. Unfortunately, he passed when I was 10 years
old but he left me his spirit of optimism, love, laughter and entrepreneurism.
For future generations of men reading this: is there any wisdom you’d want to
pass on to them? What would you want them to know? Do you follow this advice
yourself?
Live your life fully. Do not allow any school of thought to lead you to a life where you only
exist. Robots don’t have hearts. Be yourself. You will make some mistakes but the more
discipline you apply towards yourself now, will limit the number of future mistakes that may
come with heavier consequences. I do follow this advice but honestly, it took me too long to do
it. I should have been on this early in my 20’s.
