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Thursday, February 20, 2020

The 10 Best Portable Coffee Makers: Aeropress, Delter, And More

Whether it's Aeropress, French press, or faux espresso, we've found the best ways to make a great cup of Joe anywhere.

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ILM Used 'Fortnite' Tech to Make Virtual Sets for 'The Mandalorian'

Those beautiful landscapes Baby Yoda played in? They were created on a virtual production platform called StageCraft. Now any director can use it.

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Governments Are Clamping Down On Foreign Tech Investments

China, Israel, Russia, and the US are among the many countries blurring the line between prudence and paranoia.

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Elizabeth Warren comes out swinging at Michael Bloomberg at Democratic debate

Elizabeth Warren did not come to play with Mike Bloomberg yesterday.

READ MORE: George Zimmerman sues Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren over Trayvon Martin tweets

As soon as the proverbial bell rang at the Las Vegas Democratic debate, the Massachusetts senator came out swinging at the billionaire former New York City mayor and she held no punches the entire night. She politely raised her hand to speak before plowing into a litany of Bloomberg’s past gender and racial offenses.

“I’d like to talk about who we are running against, a billionaire who calls women ‘fat broads’ and ‘horse-faced lesbians.’” Warren shot off. “And, no, I’m not talking about Donald Trump, I’m talking about Mayor Bloomberg.”

“Look, I’ll support whoever the Democratic nominee is but understand this: Democrats take a huge risk if we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another,” Warren warned, comparing Bloomberg to Trump.

It was a powerful night for Warren, whose campaign had been dragging in recent weeks due to her poor showing in New Hampshire. One pollster this week even failed to include her, instead polling Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) as the only woman candidate with a chance to win the presidency, reported Rolling Stone.

Not only did Warren deliver a debate knockout to Bloomberg, but she also handed the other five Democratic candidates some smoke as well. She ended with a plea to Americans on why her candidacy is so important.

“This country has worked for the rich for a long time and left everyone else in the dirt,” Warren said at the debate. “It is time to have a president who will be on the side of working families and be willing to get out there and fight for them. That is why I am in this race and that is how I will defeat Donald Trump.”

Warren’s performance went over big with political pundits, former democratic rivals and social media users.

“Tonight was like watching Bloomberg’s first day in the prison yard and Warren immediately making him her bitch,” opined Larry Wilmore.

“Look at what Elizabeth Warren did to Bloomberg within seconds. Tonight, she made it irrevocably clear that she would absolutely demolish Donald Trump – and win. Don’t let those cute cardigans fool you,” tweeted Ashlee Marie Preston.

Julian Castro, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama and recent Democratic presidential candidate himself, also loved what he saw.

“Elizabeth Warren shows in debate after debate that she’s the candidate with the experience, plans, and vision to unite our country to beat Trump. The media may try to count her out. But she will keep persisting and showing why she’s the best person for the job,” tweeted Castro.

 

The post Elizabeth Warren comes out swinging at Michael Bloomberg at Democratic debate appeared first on TheGrio.



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Fintech Exec Kahina Van Dyke Once Turned Down a Role to Make Her Manager Feel Better

Portraits of Power Kahina Van Dyke

Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is Kahina Van Dyke, who’s been a consumer finance and financial technology executive with Citi, Mastercard, and Facebook.

Kahina Van Dyke

Board Director, Progressive

My first job was a paper delivery girl at 14.

My big break came when I packed my bags, left everyone I knew, and moved overseas in my 20s.

I’ve had to work hardest at separating failing and failure.

I never imagined I would keep re-imagining my possible.

I wish I’d learned sooner to take bigger risks and ignore advice from people who will never “get” me.

The risk I regret not taking is in my first international assignment. I was offered a breakthrough CEO role and said no to make my manager feel better.

If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent moving (biking/hiking) through nature in the morning, lying on the beach in the afternoon, and eating dinner under the stars with my peeps.

Being a great mom while creating a new equitable, resilient and inclusive global leadership model keeps me up at night.

When I’m struggling, I say to myself, “One spoonful at a time. Fear will not keep you safe. You are descended from warriors.”

I am unapologetically different.


Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.

Kahina Van Dyke will be a speaker at the 2020 Women of Power Summit, March 5-8 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Register here to join us!



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The US Blames Russia's GRU for Sweeping Cyberattacks in Georgia

By calling out Russia for digital assaults on its neighboring country, the US hopes to head off similar efforts at home.

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The Best iPad (2020): Which Apple Tablet Should You Buy?

Choosing an iPad is more complicated than it needs to be, but we're here to help with our complete guide to all of Apple's tablets.

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How a Princess Cruise Became a Coronavirus Catastrophe

The 2,666 passengers signed up for a two-week vacation. They ended up at the heart of a global epidemic.

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Actress Tamala Jones chosen for new ABC series called ‘Rebel’

Actress Tamala Jones is gearing up to star in a new ABC series called Rebel, inspired by the true-life story of activist, Erin Brockovich.

Jones, who acted in Castle, will play opposite Katey Sagal in the drama that is being executive produced by Brockovich. Written and also executive produced by Krista Vernoff, Rebel is about Annie “Rebel” Bello (played by Sagal), a brilliant and fearless legal advocate who does not hold a law degree. Rebel takes up causes that she believes in and fights for blue-collar people who don’t often have a voice, according to Deadline.

READ MORE: Civil Rights movement anthology series backed by Jay-Z and Will Smith in the works at ABC

In the series, Jones plays Lana, Rebel’s former sister-in-law. Lana is wise and works as Rebel’s investigator. She is a recovering addict who sometimes scrutinizes Rebel’s direction. The cast also John Corbett, who plays Rebel’s third husband, Grady Bello, considered to a jack of all trades. On the pilot, Grady and Rebel have an adopted teenage girl named Ziggie.

In addition to Rebel, Jones will have a recurring role on Fox’s series 911: Lone Star, playing Det. Washington, who is investigating an unsolved case. Recently, Jones acted in L.A.’s Finest and SEAL Team for CBS. She has also starred in the film What Men Want. Jones is repped by APA and recently signed with Alchemy Entertainment.

READ MORE: Kerry Washington is bringing ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to ABC

Sagal starred in Married … with Children and Sons of Anarchy. Corbett previously starred in Northern Exposure and Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.” He also won us over on Sex and the City and in the comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Other executive producers of Rebel include Alexandre SchmidtJohn Davis, and John Fox. ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television are producing.

 

The post Actress Tamala Jones chosen for new ABC series called ‘Rebel’ appeared first on TheGrio.



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Alabama Rep. Rolanda Hollis Proposes Mandatory Vasectomy Bill

Rep. Rolanda Hollis

According to The Grio, a state legislator in Alabama has introduced a bill that would require men to undergo a vasectomy, at his own expense, “within one month of his 50th birthday or the birth of his third biological child, whichever comes first.”

House Bill 238, which was introduced last week by Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D) states: “Under existing law, there are no restrictions on the reproductive rights of men. This bill would require a man to undergo a vasectomy within one month of his 50th birthday or the birth of his third biological child, whichever comes first.”

“The vasectomy bill is to help with the reproductive system, and yes, it is to neutralize the abortion ban bill … it always takes two to tango,” she tells AL.com. “We can’t put all the responsibility on women. Men need to be responsible also.” She also states that she is “both” pro-life and pro-choice.

In a statement to ABC News, Hollis says, “Many have seen HB-238 as an outrageous overstep; yet, year after year the majority party continues to introduce new legislation that tries to dictate a woman’s body and her reproductive rights. We should view this as the same outrageous overstep in authority,” she said. 

“I do not believe that women should use abortion as a birth control, but I do believe that if a woman is raped or if it’s incest or anything like that, then she has the choice to do what she wants to do.”

She added, “Just as I would turn to my doctor over my state legislator to make recommendations when deciding whether or not to have a surgery, or whether or not to take a certain type of medicine, it is my doctor with whom I—or any of my loved ones—should consult when it comes to making the incredibly difficult decisions related to my personal reproductive rights.”

She stated that Alabama’s taxpayers have paid over $2.5 million in legal fees to the American Civil Liberties Union to fight the pending abortion ban. 

 



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Lesotho's Thomas Thabane to be charged with murdering his wife

The prime minister says he will retire in July, as police accuse him of murdering his estranged wife.

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Bluetooth-Related Flaws Threaten Dozens of Medical Devices

Hundreds of smart devices—including pacemakers—are exposed thanks to a series of vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. 

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Cities Fighting Climate Woes Hasten 'Green Gentrification'

Seawalls, parks, and elevated buildings can protect against rising tides. But they can also push the price of housing up, and longtime residents out.

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Ethiopian 18th Century crown returns home from Netherlands

Former refugee Sirak Asfaw found it in a suitcase and has protected the crown for the past 21 years.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Cryptographic “tag of everything” could protect the supply chain

To combat supply chain counterfeiting, which can cost companies billions of dollars annually, MIT researchers have invented a cryptographic ID tag that’s small enough to fit on virtually any product and verify its authenticity.

A 2018 report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates about $2 trillion worth of counterfeit goods will be sold worldwide in 2020. That’s bad news for consumers and companies that order parts from different sources worldwide to build products.

Counterfeiters tend to use complex routes that include many checkpoints, making it challenging to verifying their origins and authenticity. Consequently, companies can end up with imitation parts. Wireless ID tags are becoming increasingly popular for authenticating assets as they change hands at each checkpoint. But these tags come with various size, cost, energy, and security tradeoffs that limit their potential.

Popular radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, for instance, are too large to fit on tiny objects such as medical and industrial components, automotive parts, or silicon chips. RFID tags also contain no tough security measures. Some tags are built with encryption schemes to protect against cloning and ward off hackers, but they’re large and power hungry. Shrinking the tags means giving up both the antenna package — which enables radio-frequency communication — and the ability to run strong encryption.

In a paper presented yesterday at the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), the researchers describe an ID chip that navigates all those tradeoffs. It’s millimeter-sized and runs on relatively low levels of power supplied by photovoltaic diodes. It also transmits data at far ranges, using a power-free “backscatter” technique that operates at a frequency hundreds of times higher than RFIDs. Algorithm optimization techniques also enable the chip to run a popular cryptography scheme that guarantees secure communications using extremely low energy.   

“We call it the ‘tag of everything.’ And everything should mean everything,” says co-author Ruonan Han, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and head of the Terahertz Integrated Electronics Group in the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL). “If I want to track the logistics of, say, a single bolt or tooth implant or silicon chip, current RFID tags don’t enable that. We built a low-cost, tiny chip without packaging, batteries, or other external components, that stores and transmits sensitive data.”

Joining Han on the paper are: graduate students Mohamed I. Ibrahim, Muhammad Ibrahim Wasiq Khan, and Chiraag S. Juvekar; former postdoc associate Wanyeong Jung; former postdoc Rabia Tugce Yazicigil; and Anantha P. Chandrakasan, who is the dean of the MIT School of Engineering and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

System integration

The work began as a means of creating better RFID tags. The team wanted to do away with packaging, which makes the tags bulky and increases manufacturing cost. They also wanted communication in the high terahertz frequency between microwave and infrared radiation — around 100 gigahertz and 10 terahertz — that enables chip integration of an antenna array and wireless communications at greater reader distances. Finally, they wanted cryptographic protocols because RFID tags can be scanned by essentially any reader and transmit their data indiscriminately.

But including all those functions would normally require building a fairly large chip. Instead, the researchers came up with “a pretty big system integration,” Ibrahim says, that enabled putting everything on a monolithic — meaning, not layered — silicon chip that was only about 1.6 square millimeters.

One innovation is an array of small antennas that transmit data back and forth via backscattering between the tag and reader. Backscatter, used commonly in RFID technologies, happens when a tag reflects an input signal back to a reader with slight modulations that correspond to data transmitted. In the researchers’ system, the antennas use some signal splitting and mixing techniques to backscatter signals in the terahertz range. Those signals first connect with the reader and then send data for encryption.

Implemented into the antenna array is a “beam steering” function, where the antennas focus signals toward a reader, making them more efficient, increasing signal strength and range, and reducing interference. This is the first demonstration of beam steering by a backscattering tag, according to the researchers.

Tiny holes in the antennas allow light from the reader to pass through to photodiodes underneath that convert the light into about 1 volt of electricity. That powers up the chip’s processor, which runs the chip’s “elliptic-curve-cryptography” (ECC) scheme. ECC uses a combination of private keys (known only to a user) and public keys (disseminated widely) to keep communications private. In the researchers’ system, the tag uses a private key and a reader’s public key to identify itself only to valid readers. That means any eavesdropper who doesn’t possess the reader’s private key should not be able to identify which tag is part of the protocol by monitoring just the wireless link.  

Optimizing the cryptographic code and hardware lets the scheme run on an energy-efficient and small processor, Yazicigil says. “It’s always a tradeoff,” she says. “If you tolerate a higher-power budget and larger size, you can include cryptography. But the challenge is having security in such a small tag with a low-power budget.”

Pushing the limits

Currently, the signal range sits around 5 centimeters, which is considered a far-field range — and allows for convenient use of a portable tag scanner. Next, the researchers hope to “push the limits” of the range even further, Ibrahim says. Eventually, they’d like many of the tags to ping one reader positioned somewhere far away in, say, a receiving room at a supply chain checkpoint. Many assets could then be verified rapidly.

“We think we can have a reader as a central hub that doesn’t have to come close to the tag, and all these chips can beam steer their signals to talk to that one reader,” Ibrahim says.

The researchers also hope to fully power the chip through the terahertz signals themselves, eliminating any need for photodiodes.

The chips are so small, easy to make, and inexpensive that they can also be embedded into larger silicon computer chips, which are especially popular targets for counterfeiting.

“The U.S. semiconductor industry suffered $7 billion to $10 billion in losses annually because of counterfeit chips,” Wasiq Khan says. “Our chip can be seamlessly integrated into other electronic chips for security purposes, so it could have huge impact on industry. Our chips cost a few cents each, but the technology is priceless,” he quipped.



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Why rapper Pop Smoke’s death is a tragedy bigger than music (PICS)

Today a friend asked me, “Who was Pop Smoke and why should we care about him? Rappers die every day.”

And perhaps part of this statement holds true.

While rappers die every day, we should never be so numb that we shirk our shoulders and don’t care when one loses his life. That’s what seems to happen far too often in this fast-paced, social media-driven world.

This is what too much information and not enough information at the same time does to us.

Pop Smoke was an emcee out of Brooklyn, leading the charge for the New York’s incarnation of the Trill movement.

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Pop Smoke performs at the Soulfrito Music Festival at Barclays Center on August 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Arik McArthur/Getty Images)

Charismatic. Handsome. Fashionable. As a new rapper on the scene, he seemed to be living the life that many only dreamt about. But as quickly has his star shot up into the sky, it was extinguished by part of the industry few people ever talk about: the shadow dwellers.

The world knew the “Welcome to The Party” chart-topper for his infectious grunts and adlibs. Some associated him with the notorious Brooklyn blended gang, The Woo. But I knew him as Bashar Jackson, one of the young kings of our church.

“That’s Why I Turn To God”

Years before he picked up a flag or a mic, Bashar was a dancer, a singer and a valued member of my faith community. He participated in the sacred arts and the Quiver ministry. Before the Christian Dior swag was his staple… before his voice deepened and his hair grew longer… Bashar was the man-ish tyke struggling to express himself as a warrior in the context of the images of manhood around him.

Pop Smoke as a child. (Courtesy Nicole Duncan Smith)

I first met Bashar when he was in early elementary school. He and my daughter, actress Eden Duncan-Smith (See You Yesterday, Annie) and actor Aubrey Joseph (Cloak and Dagger) were cast members of the church’s answer to the Black Nativity musical, Unto Us.

READ MORE: Rapper Pop Smoke reportedly shot and killed in Los Angeles

Bashar, Aubrey, and Eden were too young join the older kids in the cast (this trio would eventually enjoy success in their careers in pop culture around the same time) and were paired up with other little ones to perform a dance to “Who Would Imagine a King” by Whitney Houston from the Preacher’s Wife soundtrack.

Bashar and Eden were partnered together and located in the back of the performance, which persisted for years, but there was something about them that always beaconed forth.

While some might say it only talent, I believe it was their natural light.

Bashar would share many front-of-stage moments in the church. He also would share some behind the scene heartbreaks in the church. And as time went on, he grew up and found footing in other spaces.

Yet, his imprint on the building for the number of years he and his family spent in our midst was and still is immeasurable. His death is shaking us to our core.

“His death is shaking us to our core.”

Could we have done more to support his spiritual and religious growth? Perhaps. Maybe we could have stopped him from answering the call of the street that is so ever-present in the music that made him famous? I guess.

What we can say is that those early church experiences created a man-child of promise tapping into a gift that touched millions of people all over the world.

(Courtesy Nicole Duncan Smith)

I recently heard Pop Smoke talk about Paris in an interview with Angie Martinez. He was so excited and in love with the opportunity to see and do more than his wildest dreams had whispered were possible.

It made me think about “The Barsharettes.” Once, Bashar sang Sam Cooke’s “A Change Gonna Come” during a Maafa Moment and he had the appropriately named shoo wop pop girls backing him up.

He approached the song with a passion that spoke to his man-child soul and it separated him in many ways from boys his age in the church.

(Courtesy Nicole Duncan Smith)

Afterward, he and I spoke openly and honestly about what it was like to have such a spirit trapped inside of a world that did not always welcome it. He told me, “That’s why I turn to God.” And we would pray, until eventually he moved and we lost contact.

Lasting Legacy

One young person spoke about Pop Smoke’s passing and compared the pain his generation is feeling as similar to that pang we encountered when The Notorious B.I.G. was murdered. While, at first, I dismissed that thought, I had to admit that maybe this death is that for them. As Nip was this generation’s Tupac.

The similarities are eery. Both were murdered a year apart and both claimed different coasts- one a vet in music but just coming into their shine (Nip/Pac), and the other just dropping their second record and promoting it heavy (Pop/ Big).

READ MORE: New York City street named for rapper Notorious B.I.G.

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Pop Smoke performs at the Soulfrito Music Festival at Barclays Center on August 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Arik McArthur/Getty Images)

And so I get why you all are numb. You are numb because TMZ shared the details of his death before they thought to check in with Bashar’s mother. You are numb because this is not the first time that TMZ has looked at Black bodies and commodified them before they honored them. You are numb because we absorb trauma, and we don’t stop to see the soul behind the quick tweet or fading snap chat.

Pop Smoke was a king. Not just a trill rapper. Not the sum of his flaws and shortcomings. Not just another dumb n*gga out there promoting dumb n*gga sh*t.

Pop Smoke was a king, with a bounty of people that loved him like crazy. And he will be missed.


Nicole Duncan-Smith is from West Philadelphia born and raised, and in the playground is where she spent most of her days. Currently, she serves as a and a contributing editor at theGrio and an ordained Reverend at the St. Paul Community Baptist Church, where she lectures on Hip-Hop as a viable love language to teach the Gospel.   

The post Why rapper Pop Smoke’s death is a tragedy bigger than music (PICS) appeared first on TheGrio.



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Acid attack survivor: 'There are more good people than bad'

Atsede Nguse's husband disfigured her in Ethiopia, but well-wishers have helped her recovery.

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Crossing Divides: 'The football photos that saved my life'

A Tutsi on the verge of being killed by Hutu extremists in 1994 recalls how his life was saved as those who had come to kill him realised he played for one of Rwanda’s top clubs.

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What If ‘Planetary Alignment’ Really Could Make Brooms Balance?

Celestial bodies aren't the reason broomsticks can stand up on end. If they were, it would unleash gravitational chaos.

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Tyrone D. Smith Jr.: Human Capital Strategist Is Invested In Developing Young Leaders

Human capital strategist Tyrone D. Smith Jr.

BE Modern Man: Tyrone D. Smith Jr., Ph.D.

Innovator, future of work enthusiast; 33; Human capital strategist, analytics leader; Board Member, New Leaders Council

Instagram: @dr_tsmith

Having completed my doctoral degree, I’m presently in the field of human capital analytics in a human capital strategist leadership role. I take advantage of people analytics to drive action and insights by leveraging a customer-centric, evidence-based approach to align talent strategy with business strategy. I also link talent with value creation by enabling cutting-edge techniques, modeling and technology, and advanced consulting skills, to drive better business outcomes regarding talent and the future of work.

I’m also an active volunteer involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters with a little brother who I share experiences with and help guide. Additionally, I’m a board member (and former 2018 fellow) for the New Leaders Council in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a fellowship program that helps develop leadership skills in young leaders. It’s amazing to do such work and see the impact and how much it truly helps others.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN LIFE?

As a young boy growing up in Miami, at a very young age I began to understand the intrinsic value of the power of giving back to the community and others.

Overall in life, I am most proud of my ability to give back to those around me in order to lift them up as I climb and continue to strive toward excellence. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed watching one of my mentees secure multiple scholarships to help him confidently go for a college education, as well as his first internship to gain some real-world experience. I strongly believe that the impact and power of mentorship can never be overstated. I find it rejuvenating to reach back and help push people forward while helping them realize their full potential. I’m proud to be able to help set another on a path for success. However, I must add, as I only learned of this recently, that I am also proud of being awarded second place for the International Society for Performance Improvement 2019 Distinguished Dissertation Award. It was a complete surprise and an incredible honor for me as a human capital strategist, and I am humbly grateful that others are seeing and celebrating the work I’m passionate about.

HOW HAVE YOU TURNED STRUGGLE INTO SUCCESS?

There’s always an opportunity to change the narrative regardless of your background. For me, my struggle was managing and balancing life as I started my doctoral program, assisted with small academic side assignments, worked a full-time job, and los[ing] my mom. I knew I was doing the doctoral program for myself, but with my mom being the influence in my life and creating a solid foundation for my future, always emphasizing the importance of God, family, and education, I pushed harder through the program as she became my catalyst. I wanted to complete the program for her, too, while never forgetting about my “Why?” for starting the journey. That, along with prayer, perseverance, motivation, and focus helped.

Though I lost her while completing my program, I chose to focus on the positive of that experience rather than the negative. It’s often said that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but what I realized through this is that it’s best to have your own light shine from within you, so that you may light up the present rather than wait on reaching the light at the end. My mother had been my support, motivation, and strength in spirit even when life and this doctoral journey seemed too challenging. I often thought of my her during these challenges, which gave me the courage to push through, as I constantly reminded myself that, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 [KJV]).

WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST MALE ROLE MODEL AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM HIM?

Although I only had him for a short while in my life, my granddad was my greatest male role model. He was a hardworking man from Georgia. He served in the military, and he always did things that I didn’t see as the norm for people to do at that age. As I became older and had mentors appear in my life, I began to see attributes of him in each of those mentors.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

The best advice I’ve ever been given was by a professor of one of my very first classes at Florida A&M University. She always told our class to “Plan your work and work your plan.” At that time the phrase really didn’t have much meaning to me. However, it was something that somehow stuck with me. Ever since then, everything I did and have done has been in reference back to that quote: I planned my work and worked my plan. I’ve seen dividends pay off from following this advice, including with my work as a human capital strategist. Thus, whenever I come across a challenge, I remind myself of this advice and it has yet to fail me.

HOW ARE YOU PAYING IT FORWARD TO SUPPORT OTHER BLACK MALES?

I pay it forward to support other black males by being involved in various service initiatives. One initiative I started nearly a decade ago at my alma mater, Florida A&M University (FAMU): being on the founding Board of the Collegiate 100 at FAMU. Later, while working my first job after graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles, and I joined a community initiative geared toward helping black males of that city. While on a short assignment in South Africa, I volunteered to help underprivileged males in the community. I have always striven to give back whether through service or speaking opportunities. Most recently, in having moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters to continue coaching, mentoring, and facilitating leadership development of young black men.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE MANHOOD?

I associate manhood with strength and courage; the ability to learn from mistakes and take responsibility for one’s actions. It’s a state of being, a mindset, that sets an example to younger men. Be authentic, be consistent and the best king you can be…

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A BLACK MAN?

What I like most about being a black man is the versatility and how I don’t have to try to be anything or anyone but myself. I like the challenge of the odds being against me, while also being motivated to change the narrative. The challenges and obstacles our ancestors went through give us an incentive to be great in all capacities. I love being a black man, but I especially love being a black man who can be of great influence and inspiration to others.

 


BE Modern Man is an online and social media campaign designed to celebrate black men making valuable contributions in every profession, industry, community, and area of endeavor. Each year, we solicit nominations in order to select men of color for inclusion in the 100 Black Enterprise Modern Men of Distinction. Our goal is to recognize men who epitomize the BEMM credo “Extraordinary is our normal” in their day-to-day lives, presenting authentic examples of the typical black man rarely seen in mainstream media. The BE Modern Men of Distinction are celebrated annually at Black Men XCEL (www.blackenterprise.com/blackmenxcel/). Click this link to submit a nomination for BE Modern Man: https://www.blackenterprise.com/nominate/. Follow BE Modern Man on Twitter: @bemodernman and Instagram: @be_modernman.

 

 

 



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