Where were you born and raised?
Kansas City, Missouri.
What is your occupation?
Owner and president of Gates Bar-B-Q.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Hay ride to Swope Park.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
The other 11 months are left off. History is more than a month , it's every day.
What do you believe is the most important issue currently facing the Black community?
Economics.
When did you realize you were Black in America and what has that meant for your life?
When I went to the US Army. The Army was in the early stages of integration.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration to push for change?
My children.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Black community?
In every way I can.
