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There are days when everything is mapped out perfectly and then there are days when life reminds you that plans are an illusion. March 21, 2026 was one of those days. My daughter, Haelee , was scheduled to present at the Ben L. Smith Leadership Conference on March 21, 2026. I was looking forward to sitting back and watching her shine in a space that was built for growth, leadership, and connection as an alumnus of Smith and proud dad. But the day didn’t go as planned. Haelee

What started as a simple career fair conversation on March 19th turned into something much more meaningful. My daughter Haelee attended a career fair at Shaw University where she met Jared Mack and Janay Ward from Sledge Institute. Founded by Dr. Chandra Sledge Mathias , Sledge Institute is a tuition-free K–12 public charter school located in Henderson, North Carolina. Although Haelee is pursuing degrees in Mass Communications and Political Science, Jared and Janay saw some

I’m grateful for the new connections, the great conversations, the good food, and the opportunity to learn more about how we can show up and support our communities in real ways. Being part of an experience like this reminded me how important it is to stay open to learning and willing to grow. Being surrounded by my classmates and other young leaders who care about service, justice, and impact was motivating. It showed me what’s possible when people come together with a desir

Before I went to sleep, I felt it was important to pause and reflect before I went to sleep last night. I couldn’t let the day end without first celebrating Black History Month and Shaw Universit y. Shaw U represents more than just a campus. It represents generations of leaders, change-makers, and dreamers who paved the way so that students like me can walk confidently into the future. We’re reminded that our stories, voices, and journeys matter during Black History Month. Th

Serving during MLK Weekend means showing up, serving with love, and creating moments of dignity and care for our neighbors. My wife Vanessa and I had the privilege of participating in an Act of Service that embodied those very values this weekend. Inspired by Dr. King’s words, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve” my wife Vanessa and I joined volunteers in packing over 200 hygiene kits for unhoused individuals and families in need. Each kit represented more t

I can’t exactly yell “Aggie Pride!” anymore after marrying into the Shaw U family. It’s even harder to do so when the President and CEO, Dr. Paulette Dillard , personally selected my daughter, Haelee , as one of her presidential scholarship recipients. So these days, it’s all about HBCU Pride or better yet, Shaw U, especially during homecoming season. There’s just something special about the energy, the legacy, and the community that HBCUs bring to the table. When Dr. Dillard

September 29th is only three days away. I’ll be feeding the homeless and taking the stage with my team at our passion project called...

I’ve been wrestling with imposter syndrome as of late. The reasons are layered, but at the heart of it is that nagging voice that says,...

I told my wife the other day that I’ve been standing at a crossroads when it comes to writing and public speaking. The truth is, I...