I am the product of dreams!
I am the son of Calvin and Laverne. I am the grandson of Edward, Almeta, Ivory and Beryl. My parents believed in education and helping, and that gift was passed to their children. My sister Pam can attest to that.
I was born on Aldine in St. Louis and raised on East 100th street in Cleveland, Ohio by an extended community that included two-parent families and caring public school teachers. I spent my summers in St. Louis – Margaretta, Ashland, Tandy, Fairgrounds, Windermere Place – being shaped by an extended family that offered encouragement and support. Thank you, Aunt Jeanne.
I am the extension of my ancestors – shaped and guided by God and elders. I am the product of a foundation of love and commitment. Within me resides the collective hope of those who sacrificed to provide me with opportunity, and in that knowledge I am never alone!
The lesson I’m still learning when receiving an award is to say thank you without deflecting. It’s hard, because being a stellar performer is a reminder, even in this moment of acknowledgment, that the evening sky is filled with shining stars – and I have been blessed to be irradiated by that brilliance. So even though at times I think I am more “moonish” in reflection than stellar, I thank Dr. Suggs and the St. Louis American Foundation for this recognition.
It’s about the young folks. That’s where I’ve been and where I want to be. That’s why it’s difficult to see a young life cut short under any circumstance. Hands up is fine, but we need hands in – more hands in education, more hands in our communities, and more hands in the lives of our children.
I wish I could call more names in thanks, but the oversights would be as long as the inclusions. We are all shaped by events and relationships, so buckle up for some of mine.
In 30 plus years they’re so many to thank
But not enough gigs in my memory bank,
But I’ll give it a try and do it in rhyme
Taking extra care to be mindful of time.
Forgive me if I do not call you by name,
It isn’t a slight – I love you the same
MBAs, N-DoubleA-C-P,
The Urban League, and A-S-Double-EE
Skate King, you know, where the good times roll,
And the ADL for its diversity goal,
Better Family Life’s strong community base,
INROADS for the talented youth they place.
Big Brother/Sister and Mentor St. Lou
The sorors and frats for their mentoring too
MUDAPO each week at Divinity
Open mic evenings at Legacy
UMSL, Wash U, Webster, Maryville, SLU
SIU, SEMO, S&T, Harris Stowe and Mizzou
Community Centers, the scouts or the Y
Juvenile Courts, GED, still the sky
Is the limit for what they can do
I’ve seen it up close and I know that it’s true
Upward Bound and Bridge for their college prep
The interfaith clerics that kept me in step
St. Philips Lutheran – my main church home
And the spiritual champions who helped write my tome
The NSF programs and Project Chart
Taekwondo discipline – World Martial Arts
The National Society of Black Engineers
And their positive impact throughout the years
The fellowship of 100 Awesome Black Men
The Emerson Scholars who showed me that when
You give brothers and sisters the chance to succeed
You’ll be blessed in return through the lives that they lead
The students I’ve hosted from CASS and from SEED
Have gifted me more – that I humbly concede.
The daughter that God chose to be in my care
Has blessed me with love I thought I’d never share.
But St. Louis Community College is where I have grown
And I’m thankful for all of the stars I’ve been shown,
The mentors and cheerleaders throughout the years
And the young greats emerging in stellar careers
To whatever extent I have become known
It isn’t a claim I can make on my own.
Our eyes can’t envision, our minds can’t conceive
What the Lord will prepare when we love and believe.
Given as his acceptance speech when awarded the 2014 Stellar Performer award at the 2014 Salute to Excellence in Education, presented by the St. Louis American Foundation.
