I was born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. In 1959. At the time, Black children couldn’t be born in hospitals in East St. Louis so my mother made the trek to St. Louis. I was the third, and last child of my mother, and only boy. My two older sisters, where exactly 1 and 2 years older than myself. As a child, I never knew hunger and was nurtured, even curdled by people who loved me. My mother, who went back to school while I was a toddler to get her teaching certificate, taught all of us how to read at an early age. My two older sisters excelled in education at the elementary level and I was expected to do the same. By the time I had finished elementary school I had competed in several math, spelling and vocabulary contest’s and always did well. In addition my elementary school focused on physical education and music education to make sure we were well rounded.

In junior high school I was placed in a high academic tract. We received tougher classes and again we were expected to do well. Furthermore, we were expected to provide leadership by both example of our behavior and by activism. At the end of 3 years I had graduated 3rd in my class and led some student organization’s as well as protests, while participating in track, cross country and basketball.

In high school I took college prep courses as well as my local requirements. At the end of 3 years I graduated 8th out of a class of 900 while participating in track, cross country, and a nationally renowned chess club. In addition to my academic duties, I lead some student groups, was in the national honor society, and wrote for the school newspaper. At the end of high school I was accepted to Drake University in my junior year.

At Drake University I received a Bachelor’s in political science and an MBA. During my time there I was President of the Black Student Organization, Vice President of the campus Women’s Organization, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a founder of the Black Panhellenic council, a founder of the annual Relays step show, and a founder of a student lead security force.

My life after Drake has been filled with both business adventure and purpose driven causes. I have ran three successful businesses. I have been a paid free lance grant writer. I have been Vice President of Operations for one of the most successful Black Non-Profits in St. Louis. I have worked for over 20 years in City government. I have served on the Board of Directors for a child care center and for a credit union, I have written successful grants for technology, art, education, and housing. I have politicians, business leaders, spiritual leaders, and everyday people.

The thing I am most proud of in my life is the recognition that Christ died for me and I had nothing to do with it. His Grace and Mercy have allowed me an opportunity to share my gifts from him to the world.