Where were you born and raised?
Wyandotte County, Kansas.
What is your occupation?
Husband, father, pastor, leadership facilitator and community servant.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Playing with my friends in my neighborhood.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Well, I don't call myself 'black' simply because I'm not. If one is going to culturally label me I'm dark brown. But to answer the question, I've always not liked it simply because one month does not (in my interpretation) do justice to all that people who look like me have done and continue to do. Its too limited.
What do you believe is the most important issue currently facing the Black community?
Our misunderstanding of our own value.
When did you realize you were Black in America and what has that meant for your life?
If I can be straight forward, this is a rather dumb question. I've always been African American. It's never been a non-realization. Biblically it means that God/Jesus specifically made me this way for a purpose, this means EVERYTHING to me.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration to push for change?
My sons, their families and the generations behind me.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Black community?
By just trying to be a literal agent of change. Not just talking about doing things but actually letting our words have skin in the game. Hopefully, by impressing upon the lives of those who we have been blessed to come across that their lives matter no matter what banner or who says it. Lastly but not least, by trying to impress to our community that Jesus loves us no matter what and for that we should be/need to be living as if we thank Him for that AND that others need to know/be the same.
