A Lesson Learned was chosen for the 2018-2019 Year-Long Common Read at the illustrious and historic Tuskegee University. Arriving on campus from my two hour drive from Atlanta I parked behind the campus chapel. As the sun shined in the car I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. When I looked up I said “is that a cemetery?” Indeed it was. Suddenly my phone ringed and it was Dr. Harris. She was walking right towards my car, it was so nice to finally put a face with the voice. I’ve been in contact with Dr. Harris for the past few months, she’s the Director of Student Engagement at Tuskegee University. Dr. Harris gave me a brief tour of the campus and explained that Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver were buried in the cemetery. I was then reminded that I was walking on hallowed ground. Standing in front of the Tuskegee airplane I thought about my ancestors and the name of my high school alma mater, Charles Herbert Flowers Senior High School. Flowers was a Tuskegee airman and that reminded that I was meant to be here, this wasn’t a coincidence. Next I had a private meeting with Tuskegee’s eighth and first female President - President McNair. We had a great conversation and I really felt a sense of peace and joy while speaking with her. During our conversation her assistant interrupted us, but as she got up to answer the door I noticed a large portrait of Booker T. Washington on her wall. As I stared at the portrait I felt like he was saying “I’m proud of you young man.” I told my friends this and they laughed, but I really did lol.

Next I met with the honor students, professors and President McNair. I spoke for about 20 mins, ate, answered some questions and signed a few books. Then it was on to the main event where it was opened to the public. The event kicked off with a prayer from the pastor and a musical selection. I then took to the podium and spoke for 50 minutes. I spoke about my journey as a self published author, secrets about the book, my writing process, perseverance, STD’s, grief, staying focus, relationships and much more.The students then did a Q&A followed by a book signing while I also took pictures. During the book signing I met a young lady who said chapter three “Achieving While Grieving” was helping her heal. She had recently lost her best friend to a car accident this past October. I could feel her sadden spirit, I knew that look all too well because I too had lost my best friend in college. I gave her some advice and a warm hug. Moments like that keep me motivated. Multiple professors said my book was a hit on campus, especially for the students who didn’t like to read. The professors also loved how they could relate to the stories even reminding them of their college stories. Arriving back to Atlanta I looked up to God and and said a million thank you’s. I know that I’m making a difference and that I’m living in my purpose. To be invited to speak at such an historic campus was very humbling, but to meet so many students who said that my book is helping almost made me cry.

Two years ago I reached out to Ms. Sherry King and told her about my book, she had a few students read it and they loved it. I thought they were going to incorporate it that year, but it wasn’t time. The following year, Tuskegee followed up and chose A Lesson Learned for their common read. My book lecture was a part of the annual Lyceum series where multiple speakers visit Tuskegee to speak to the students. Other notable speakers who’ve visited for the Lyceum series are Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Cornell West and many more. I remember being required to attend Lyceum’s while at Johnson C. Smith University and now I’m the speaker at one. Thank you Ms. King, Dr. Harris and President McNair for your great hospitality and for believing in my book. TU!

Never in a millions years did I think I would be speaking at my high school alma mater’s graduation, but God clearly has different plans for me. I also didn't know I would be shaking all 504 students hands coming across the stage lol. This day was full of joy, love and bliss. Having so many people tell me I did a good job and they were inspired made my heart full and it still is. Even the parents said I motivated them. These past two years that's all I've been trying to do is be positive and motivate people. I hope when you see my posts your inspired. No matter what you're going through never give up and keep pushing, trouble doesn’t last forever. Pray, pray and pray - get on your knees and call out to God! I do it every day and look what's happening in my life. I make plenty of mistakes, but I try to make them right every time which requires me to get rid of my pride and ego. I just spoke to over 6,000 people. If I can do it so can you! Cut off all distractions and focus on what you really want out of life.

I was the keynote speaker at Columbus State University for the “College Student For A Day” program where high school seniors and juniors came to experience what college might be like. In the snippet above I explained to that you have to follow your dreams and sometimes the people in your life might not believe in you, but you have to make them believe. Some people have insecurities of their own and sometimes they just want what they think is best for you.

One way to get them to believe is to follow through on your ideas/dreams and execute it. If you start accomplishing your goals people will believe and sometimes even invest in you. When you’re an entrepreneur you may have to get a company or somebody to invest, but they’re only going to do it if they believe. So many people start something and never finish it. If you consistently do that why would anybody invest. Work hard, pray and follow through on what you said! I also assigned the students to create their own group vision boards and played games. I showed them my vision board first and how so many pictures have manifested. Once they saw my vision board they were shocked and quickly started working on theirs. Thank you Columbus State for having me!

Bowie State University was the first school to use my book for the entire freshmen class and this year I finally got the chance to speak to the freshmen class. It was so humbling meeting all of the students and hearing how my book has helped them in such a short time. I spoke about the different chapters in the book, my writing process, hidden secrets pertaining to the book and much more. I also signed books for the students, had lunch with the faculty and did the campus radio station. Thank you so much Professor Walters, Dr. Goodman and Dr. Galloway for inviting me. I’m still on a high from visiting.

My book A Lesson Learned was incorporated at Ron Brown Preparatory High School in Washington D.C. and I recently got the chance to visit the students who read the book. My book inspired them to write their own stories with a “Lesson Learned” at the end. Not only that, but they’re going to publish it as a book. Some of the students even read their stories out loud and I believe there are some future authors at Ron Brown. It’s always a joy to see how my book has impacted the students and how they’re applying the lessons to their lives. That lets me know that I’m living in my purpose and making a little change in the world.

God isn’t just good he’s great. Two years ago I made a vision board and put a picture of my home church, the First Baptist Church of Glenarden on there. I placed on there just because it was my church, but two years later I’m speaking there about my book. Only God!. I spoke to the ID College Ministry about a plethora of topics, but in the above snippet I talked about one of my favorites scriptures Proverbs 6:6. “Look to the ant you sluggard consider his ways and be wise 🐜.”I often have days when I don’t feel like doing anything and those days are needed, but I can’t go to long being unproductive. I came across the scripture not too long ago and it has stuck with me. It’s to the point now that if I’m not being productive it doesn’t sit well with my spirit. I feel depressed or down when I’m not being productive, wallowing in your sorrows just makes depression worse. Get up and get to it. We have to remember to use the gifts God has given us even when we are feeling depressed or going through the storm. Often using our creative juices is what helps us get through those storms. Force yourself to get out of bed and attack that thing you’ve been putting off for the last few months. The more and more you procrastinate the more you get behind. Take that anger, sadness or whatever emotion you’re feeling and put it into your work. I promise once you start working on it you will feel much better. Don’t be a sluggard, keep pushing. 

Recently I was the keynote speaker at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington D.C. where my book A Lesson Learned was incorporated for some of the 11th and 12th grade classes. Above is snippet of my speech where I spoke to the students about the speaking life into themselves and how the power of the tongues is more powerful then than you know. Speaking and having negative thoughts about yourself does nothing for you. Replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. There is no point in being pessimistic. If your constantly beating yourself up - stop! You are not your circumstances. You are enough! Think positive and put in the work and I promise you it will manifest. Just look at the video, I manifested a lot! Meek Mill said he was going to get Nicki Minaj in 2010 and he did. But also Look at the late Notorious B.I.G and rapper SnoopI Dogg. From here on out speak life and only think positive thoughts. You are a King! You are a Queen! Your trials will only make you stronger and prepare you for what is ahead. You can’t appreciate the sun if it doesn’t rain. 

I was invited to be the keynote speaker at the American Business Women’s Association in Atlanta, GA and I loved every bit of it. They were so welcoming and very receptive to my speech. Above is a snippet of my speech where I spoke about time Management and the 10,000 hour rule. People often ask how I stay organize and manage everything I have going on. Having side businesses and being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, especially when you have a 9-5. To make things easier a few years ago I came up with a system. On Sundays I cook all my meals and iron all my clothes for the entire week. That way when I get home for work all I have to do is heat my food up and when I wake up all I have to do is put my clothes on. This cuts down on hours of domestic duties that way when I get home all I have to do is work on my business/craft.

I also applied @malcolmgladwell 10,000 hour rule to my life. In his book “The Outliers he said tha people like The Beatles, Steve Job etc got so good at their craft because they put in over 10,000 hours. So I did the math in my head. Those 5 hours I have when I get off of work, that’s about 30 hours a week. It’s 52 weeks in a year. So in about 6 years I should have my 10,000 hours. If you put in more than 30 hours a week you will hit your target. Whatever you choose come up with a system to reach your goals. Sorry for the cut off head

This past weekend I was the commencement speaker at the Solid Foundation Christian Academy in Stone Mountain, GA. Speaking to the graduates I explained how important faith is while on your journey to achieving your dreams. So many people worry about how they’re going to conquer your dreams, but you can’t have faith and worry. You must believe with all of your might that it’s going to happen. “It’s not your job to worry about when it’s going to happen or how it’s going to happen, just know that it’s going to happen. Unwavering Faith! Even in troubled times God is working behind the scenes to make all of it work together for your good. Be obedient and treat people how you want to be treated. What you put out surely comes back, good and bad. You must also work and use the ideas that God has given you. People pray for a million dollars, but God isn’t just going to give you a million dollars, but he will give you the idea for one. But you must act on those ideas. Procrastination is the biggest enemy of success. Cut off the phone, TV and everything not adding to your life and work on your craft! You can believe in yourself all you want, but if you’re not putting in that work forget about it. 

I recently got the chance to interview up and coming Atlanta movie and TV Director, Jennifer Pessima. We talked about a plethora of things including her new series BBW, napkin ideas, passion, and her crazy past. She also dives into how she landed her first job  after college working on Creflo Dollars TV show booking artist like 2 Chainz, Lil Boosie and Waka Flocka. Her story is truly inspiring, listen to this social butterfly as she not only inspires, but teaches a bit of wisdom she's learned throughout her time in the entertainment industry. Enjoy!

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