Black Men to Watch
Everyday we are bombarded with news and reports that talk about our men in a negative light, but rarely do we have the opportunity to read about the millions of our beautiful men who are beating the odds and putting stereotypes to rest. Yes, the number is in the millions. It’s hard to to see the forest from the trees, rather, it’s hard to realize that legions of black men are doing their thing when media dispensers and personal prejudices say otherwise. Clutch realizes, and because of this, we annually dedicate an issue to a few of the top-notch brothers out there making it happen. Just a few though. Below, we invite you to meet 12 of them who are definitely on their way up the ladder of success.
Name: J. DakarCurrent Gig/Occupation: I’m a contributor to ConcreteLoop.com; Founder and Creative/Editorial Director of Do Good and Do Well (DGADW); and creator of the upcoming online urban community, OurUrbanThoughts.com.
Motto: Do Good and Do Well (DGADW)
Favorite Quote: “At exactly which point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise.” — Talib Kweli
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I’m one to watch because of my commitment to providing valuable information to a group that some might say could care less. I love what I do and I hope others do too.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
If you don’t have haters, you’re not doing something right.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
Isaiah 5:13
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Paul Robeson, Carl Rowan and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who died the day I was born.
Q: Describe a typical day.
I’m up at 5:30 a.m., thanking the Lord for letting me see another day and pouring a big glass of cold water to drink over the next hour and a half (it helps boost metabolism). I check my BlackBerry for any important calls, emails or messages and then visit my favorite news sites to see what’s going on in the world while also researching and composing a possible news roundup and/or political post for Concrete Loop. Within the hour, I’m doing yoga followed by a quick workout.
Around 7:00 a.m., I’m showering, getting dressed, making breakfast and heading out the door. I’m usually a few minutes behind schedule because Smoke, the stray cat that took up residence outside my apartment, is often there as soon as I open my door. I feed and pet him a bit before heading to the office, where I work for a Fortune 500 company in the financial services and insurance industries.
I check my work email while eating breakfast and go over my schedule for the day, although I’m seldom able to follow it (which I happen to like). I have lunch around 1 p.m. and leave the office around 5 p.m.
I do pilates around 5:30 p.m. and whip up a quick meal before the real work begins. I check email and reply to everything that warrants it. Some of it may spark an upcoming topic, so I then start working on a draft or two. I watch some TV or a movie, and I try to be in bed around 10 p.m. to do it all again.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I have crooked pinky fingers thanks to a dominant trait from my maternal grandfather. If I put them and my ring fingers together, they make a perfect heart; that helped snag a few girlfriends on the playground back in the day.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
Nothing. Everything’s been done. But whatever I do, I do it with integrity. I think people see that and are able to appreciate that anything or anyone I mention is definitely worth mentioning.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Living the good life.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Balance in all aspects of my life.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Young, gifted and black.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
Living my life to the fullest and doing everything I possibly could to help those around me in need by doing good and doing well (DGADW).
Name: Zettler Clay IV
Current Gig/Occupation: Freelance Journalist, Managing Editor of Clutch Magazine, Black Masculinity Project, CEO of Casclayde Media, Co-Executive Producer of The Atlanta Way, a documentary chronicling the effects of gentrification in Atlanta over the past 45 years.
Motto: To whom much is given, much is required.
Favorite Quote:
Two quotes actually:
1) In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is King.
2) Spaceships don’t come equipped with rear view mirrors; they dip as quick as they can. (c) Andre 3000
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I have a deep desire to merge ideas of different mediums and walks of life to convey a larger point. To me, no subject is too small to trivialize…in some way, all the pieces matter. My goal is to make the seemingly irrelevant matters matter. I’ve had the opportunity to cover a myriad of subjects in my young career, and they all connect to each other in a weirdly organic way. Whether I am covering presidential candidates, NBA players, unsolved kidnappings or the effects of gentrification, I try to keep that same larger point in mind that somehow connects with our core humanity. What does Barack Obama’s rise have to do with the career of Michael Jordan or the opium addict in China? Those are the type of questions I seek to answer.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Patience. Everything boils down to timing and in order to appreciate and capitalize on timing, you must have patience. We all want success and fluorescence in our lives, but the simple fact is that everything has its own time and place. Once you have that inner peace and assurance that everything will work out in its own time, patience is yours.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
When I see a novel idea manifests itself into a product, book, television show, movie or symbol, that is inspiring. Enlightening conversations are inspiring. Injustice is inspiring. Reading the Bible and its principles… inspiring. I hate to sound reductive, but for me sparks of inspiration can literally come from anywhere. On a personal level, my faith is my true source of inspiration. I took a different, more unconventional path to journalism. There’s no way that I am in the position I’m in now if not for God’s favor. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. So it’s definitely my faith that has gotten me this far, and it will be faith that propels me to my highest potential.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Can’t pick one person…that’s a task in futility. But a round table caucus with Andre Benjamin, W.E.B. Dubois, Malcolm Gladwell, Benjamin E. Mays, David Simon and Cornel West…headed by Jesus Christ would work wonders.
Q: Describe a typical day.
A typical day of mine is fairly unpredictable. Upon waking up, I say a quick prayer and then walk around aimlessly for ten minutes to rid myself of the usual morning inertia. Then I migrate to a computer to check my email and any other news that occurred while I was asleep; not necessarily to inform myself on issues, but mainly to get my brain going. Then I get to work: interviewing, doing field research, brainstorming, starting an article, finishing an article, making calls, sneak in an episode or two of Steve Harvey, writing outlines or planning moves for my company… any one or all of these things are likely to occur in a day. Then it’s off to work in Corporate America (night shift). It is here where I take in all I can about business operations and quality assurance so that I can incorporate these skills into my personal life. Come home, say a prayer and read myself to sleep. Then start another day.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
People see me as this serious introspective person, but I’m really a bit mischievous; a kid at heart. I routinely buy Gushers and Spider Man Fruit Snacks. If Animaniacs or Batman: The Animated Series emerges on my channel search list, I’m stopped in my tracks. I’m an avid video gamer. I’m not able to play as much as I would like anymore but I never stay away too long. And I’m a practical joker; don’t let me, my mom and sister get together… nobody is safe.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
Nothing new…just different. I bring a curious mind and voice to journalism that is rare from people of my demographic: Two generations removed from the civil rights movement, born in the midst of the crack epidemic, young black male, born, raised and educated in the inner city and suburbs of Atlanta. I was never poor, but I have seen and experienced things in life – as many people has – that I wouldn’t wish on anybody. Yet, I’ve spent a great deal of my life reading and experiencing other cultures, states and countries. Life experiences make up who a person is, and I’ve seen many different shades of life. This multifarious perspective is needed and I strive to – with the help of other storytellers of this ilk – fill a void with intelligent and relevant discourse from the Black Generation Y segment. Society can’t write us off. We have plenty to say.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Teaching, authoring and managing a coterie of news-gathering savants come to mind, but who really knows. Five years ago I had no idea that I would be writing or producing anything, so that just shows you how capricious plans can be. I just want to continue to grow, learn and expand.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Discipline. One person that instantly springs to mind in this regard is Malcolm X. Malcolm went into prison an illiterate apathetic hood. He did a complete 180 in prison, while spending his time doing nothing but reading and praying and proselytizing. When he got out of prison, do you know what he did? The exact same thing. That’s true discipline, when you can forgo entertainment and distractions to stay focused on a goal. That’s why I admire actors and authors so much, because you cannot excel in those fields without real discipline.
Q: What three words describe your attitude?
Keen. Benign. Inquisitive.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
You know how people say, “that guy was born to do this, or she was made to do that”? That’s what I want people to say about me. That’s it. It doesn’t matter if its writing, teaching, friendship, fatherhood or whatever. I want to be remembered as a man who utilized his gifts in the way that God intended.
Name: Mahershalalhashbaz Ali
Current Gig/Occupation: Actor (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The 4400, NYPD Blue, The Crossing and more)
Motto: Prayer, patience, and persistence
Favorite Quote: “Yes We Can.” (c) Barack Obama.
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
That’s a really tough question to answer and somehow avoid sounding arrogant… (laughing). But, I sincerely believe that this is my calling. I think my work is inspired, and therefore able to touch people. That’s something that I’d never dare to take credit for — it’s a gift. I have trouble sleeping at night after I work, because the scenes from the day will just play over and over again in my head. I truly love what I do… and I believe I do it for the right reasons.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
I think I’m beginning to understand that everything is a process. And that there’s an element of struggle that comes with anything truly worth having. That can be tough to accept because we’re always trying to find ways to make things easier, and even effortless. When the truth is, the jewels are probably in the struggle towards the goal and not necessarily having achieved it.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
I’m inspired by an ambition to do great work. Great people. Great actors, music, stories. I’m inspired by talent, truth, the struggle, the underdog.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
President Barack Obama.
Q: Describe a typical day.
I get up for my first prayer around 5:00 a.m., then go back to sleep. I’m back up around nine. Grab a latte, hit the park and write. Or read a script and start memorizing lines for an audition. Get my sports fix… ESPN. Get a workout in. Make my other four prayers throughout the day. I’m writing a script right now, so everything is kept pretty close to home at the moment. Hit the sack around midnight.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I played college basketball. In high school I was on an all star team with Jason Kidd. In college, I played against Steve Nash twice a year. We attended rival schools.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
We’re all powerful in that we are all unique. So, I sincerely bring the best of what I have every time I work. We often grow up trying to pattern ourselves after people to the point of losing our individuality. I believe that if I’m grounded, healthy, happy etc., my offering will eventually be recognized as unique not only to my craft, but to the world. And I believe the same is true for everyone.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be better than I am now in every way shape and form. I want to make great strides in both my career, and in my personal life. Marriage and kids would be a beautiful thing, and to have gone from auditioning to regularly picking my projects would be ideal.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Trust. Faith. I think that they’re one and the same. From God to myself, and everything in between. I’m sure the seas would part if I could just embrace trust in all its forms.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Open. Hopeful. Driven.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to live an inspired life. Finding success in all things small and large. If people are moved by what I achieve in life and even how I live, I would hope that will only be stronger once I’m no longer here.
Photo Credit: Lisa Keating
Name: Devin Sean James, Sr.
Current Gig/Occupation: Founder/President of The Devin James Group; Founder/President of Native Graphix Marketing, Co-Owner/Chief Marketing Officer of AutoHood Media, Co-Owner/Chief Marketing Officer of ExhaleWithStyle.com (Eden’s Gate Cigars), and Director of Marketing of Salton Construction Co.
Motto: “Success is replicating a good thing over and over again.”
Favorite Quote: “Most people fail in life because they never fully applied themselves to anything.”– Myself
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I’m 26 and I have already been in business ten years. The last four years include businesses I started completely on my own. The other thing is all of my business partners are in their late 40’s to early 60’s so add their knowledge, history and portfolios with my youth, stamina, work ethic and creativity and that makes for a much more dangerous candidate because I well groomed for the long-haul.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
No matter how many times your head gets bloody from the blows never bow down. I have actually taken a different approach at the difficulty and the negatives I face. The more problems I run into the closer I am to the good times and prosperity. Each negative (no) gets me closer to a positive (yes).
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
My son truly inspired me to change and to be who I am striving to be first. I looked at him after he was born and I realized I needed to get myself together. It’s funny, no matter what I had going on he always believed in me. Before all the businesses and accomplishments he looked at me and said, “I love you dad and I want to be just like you.” Then my princess Jasmine-Christi because it’s just something a daughter does to a man. My little ones keep me inspired. Next to them I would have to say my dad. He has been through more personal setbacks than anyone I know and he won’t give up. He put the hustle in my thought processes and always encouraged me to think bigger. I would have the best ideas and he would say, “that’s a great idea but you are still thinking too small.”
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
My grandparents on both sides of the family were deceased by the time I was born. I hear all these stories about them and I wish that I could have gotten the chance to know them.
Q: Describe a typical day.
I pray to get my house and mind in order. Next thing I do is workout my body either by jogging or hitting the gym. Then I have business building exercises and reviews. I think you should always spend time trying to figure out how to make your business better. Once I get started working its non-stop emailing, conference calling and appointments. Since my businesses are all about relationships I spend most of my time on people not necessarily projects. Every other moment is dedicated to the family and the occasional smoke session with one of my Adan y Eva cognac flavored Robusto cigars.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am not perfect and as smart as I have been told I am. I have made dumb mistakes too. I have been all the way to the bottom and I beat the odds because of my Lord and savior, creative thinking and determination. I dropped out of high school at 16 years old and got my GED from Job Corp. I lost my first child, my daughter Jessica when I was 17. I got myself in trouble with the law a few times. I was in a gang and suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and shoulder area that left me permanently disabled in my left arm and shoulder and cost me my home, all personal possessions and my college education during my senior year. I really lost everything I owned and have been homeless. But still I smile like nothing happened. Because to me all things happen for a reason and I know I wouldn’t be an entrepreneur if these things hadn’t happen. It made me focus less on material things and it made me stronger.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
The advertising world has never seen anything like our company AutoHood Media. Using our product the “AutoGlove” on taxis and fleet vehicles we turn the hood of a car into an ad in 5 minutes that can be removed in 30 seconds. It is a patented fabric that is an alternative to wrapping a car giving advertisers a rolling billboard for a fraction of the cost. It straps on with no demanding installation, without any possible damage and is heat and flame tested, water resistant and is the newest and most innovative way to brand market. We give cab operators new revenue and the advertiser a new medium that beats anything out there. Simple.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years I will have been in business for myself almost 15 years. With AutoHood Media our five year projections suggest that we will have sold that company to the highest bidder. I will look forward to my mailbox money and I will fall back into a consulting position with my marketing firm Native Graphix Marketing and spend more time in my cigar business (www.exhalewithstyle.com) then. I will be about 30-31 years old and will probably go back to school and become a pilates instructor. [LOL]. Actually, I plan to have my golf game down, be married and focus more on developing the kids. I will also get more into my acquisition of other companies and real estate so I can pass it down to future generations. Hopefully establish the “Devin James Foundation and Scholarship” programs at a university back home.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
I haven’t perfected having patience with people who don’t value other people’s time. Time is so important and when you’re an entrepreneur you are constantly making sacrifices in regards to your time. It kills me when people waste my time.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Fearless. Motivated. Achiever.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
The number one thing is being a great father to my kids. Then creating opportunity for others when people believed there was no opportunity available. I hope my life can serve as a testament that you can truly do whatever you want in life no matter how the odds stack up against you as long as you never give up on yourself. The last thing would be that people think of me as an innovator.
Name: Mr. Bereola, II
Current Gig/Occupation: Author, Public Speaker, Entrepreneur & Gentleman
Motto: Keep it Bereolaesque!
Favorite Quote: “Chivalry, Etiquette & Manners are back…this time it’s sexy!”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I’m bringing back an era. I’m making what used to be considered dull and boring, sexy and fascinating. I’m repositioning the concept of a gentleman to be highly appealing to the human senses or mind; providing pleasure or delight, especially in appearance or manner; pleasing; charming; alluring; attractive.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Remain humble and keep God first. It’s so easy to say but so hard to do. I think I’ve finally got it down.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
Luther Jackson, life and Jesus.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Me, 20 years from now. I’d sit down and enjoy a bottle of red wine and a Davidoff with myself. Wouldn’t that be crazy? Discuss cigars and politics.
Q: Describe a typical day.
I literally think up ideas while I’m dreaming so I continue those ideas when I wake up. Lately, I’ve been so busy and my mind just keeps going…it’s crazy! I wake up, pray, kiss a pretty lady, have a great breakfast, check emails, return phone calls, handle book schedule, talk to publisher, market the book, and enjoy the blessings that God has set out for me that day, always giving Him the honor…always giving him the praise.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m crazy as hell…not in a bad way, but a way that only the special lady knows.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I don’t believe that being a gentleman and executing manners and sophistication has been in style in a while. We are recovering from a time where violence and garish behavior was considered trendy. I am making manners sexy! I am making the gentleman appealing. He is redefined and refined. He is something new and something different. He is cultured, well groomed, stylish, alluring, bold, and intelligent He is Bereolaesque!
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Somewhere making a difference in someone’s life. No matter how much success or how much acclaim; I never want to be distanced from my overall purpose. We are all here for a reason and when I die, I’d like to hear the words, “well done.”
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Pride…it is the downfall of man and a waste of my time. I can’t stand it, but it loves me.
Q: What three words describe your attitude?
Cool, calm, collected.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
Making the world a sexier place one gentleman at a time. Being Bereolaesque!
Name: Lawrence Watkins
Current Gig/Occupation: Owner of Great Black Speakers Bureau and MBA student at Cornell University
Motto: “Success is manufactured”
Favorite Quote: In order for God to direct you, you have to be moving.
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I am very ambitious and I want to make a positive impact on my community politically, socially, and economically. Also, I have a business that is growing and that will soon be a powerhouse within the speaking industry.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Always approach task and people with humility, yet still have the confidence inside that you know you will achieve.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
Warren Buffet, Google, The Wire, my parents, my brother Dr. Boyce Watkins, John Wooden (Former UCLA basketball coach), Tim Ferris Author of the 4-hour Workweek.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
John Wooden. His books on leadership have changed my life.
Q: Describe a typical day.
I wake up about 7:20 a.m. in the morning and take my shower and get ready for school. On the bus, I listen to a motivational audiobook on my iPod. From 8:40 – 1:10 p.m. I am in my finance, strategy, and statistics classes. After that I take a break and review my financial and advertising numbers for Great Black Speakers. The company’s director gives me a call and an update on the daily activities for the last 24 hours. From 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., I am preparing for class/tests. Lastly, I hang out with my friends on another successful day.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am extremely silly under the right circumstances.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I sense of purpose and passion in what I do to help the African-American community. Also, analytical skills that most people do not have.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be a tycoon of many different companies related to speaking, public relations, and event planning. I hope to travel the world speaking to organizations about productivity and entrepreneurship.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
I am trying to become more consistent in my work ethic.
Q: What three words describe your attitude?
Positive, Laid-back, Cerebral
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered by the people who loved me and the people that I loved.
Name: Zak Akhimien
Current Gig/Occupation: Digital media, music and marketing consultant. Co-founder of Amplifed.
Motto: It’s another day, another chance to do it better.
Favorite Quote: “Ese ii muin ẹdẹ” (No amount of trouble can prevent daybreak) A proverb from my father’s Esan tribe, Nigeria.
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I love what I do and that comes through in my work. I’m grateful that others want to work with me and enjoy what I produce, create and devise. It’s a privilege to be included in Clutch and this is further personal validation I’m on the right path.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Your instincts, even if they turn out wrong, are always worth listening to. Combine that with some extensive research and you can avoid some painful experiences. I have.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
My parents. The legend of how they met and got together is a family classic (my father claims he knew from the moment my mother opened her door by mistake when he was a foreign student lost in Eastern Europe in the 60’s, she was his). To see where they came from, what they endured and what they went on to achieve, is the deepest source of strength I can draw on. By extension I’d also like to have seen my grandparents meet and have met the ones that passed before I was born.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Has to be Quincy Jones. Not just for the amazing range of work he did, the legacy is undeniably powerful (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air finally made me stop letting my mum cut my hair), but also for how he interacted with people. He’s just a cool cat and obviously his mojo is still firing at 70 plus.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Generally I kick things off with exercise. This month it’s all about the swiss ball and swimming. Once I’m all fresh and ready for battle, I get into it proper; catch up on correspondence, meetings, planning and research. I’m currently working with the UK’s second largest animal charity and developing the new digital presence for the Black Filmmakers Festival among other projects so no day is the same. Evenings are spent between events and friends and family. Balance is key.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
People think I never get angry. I’m half Romanian and that means Latin blood so I assure you that passion is in there. I prefer to keep my anger in check, focus it and release when necessary.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I’m in a fortunate position to be able to execute my ideas and see the results. Finding that thin divide between cutting edge and mainstream excites me. Everyday I ask myself how I can fuse technology and art better within my abilities. As long as I have the health, hunger and time I’ll push on.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
After having added two more languages to the three I currently speak, I’ll be continuing to develop my business portfolio in Nigeria, Brazil and the US, whilst showing my yet-to-be born children the beauty of our planet.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
How to focus on one thing for an extended period of time. I’m a dreamer and sometimes I’ve got too many ideas up there and getting them all out takes a while.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude.
Calm, thoughtful and witty.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
My connection to Africa grounds and drives me. I was raised to believe in community and I want to have laid foundations for others. I’ve been very fortunate in life and growing up surrounded by acute poverty made me realize form early on that I wanted my legacy to not just inspire my children but others as well. My motherland continues to rise and I have to believe it will get better otherwise what I am doing here?
Name: Greg Clay
Current Gig/Occupation: Special Assistant to the City Manager, East Point GA President/CEO
Motto: Life is 100% about experiences
Favorite Quote: It must be borne in mind that The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It is not a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is a sin. — Benjamin E. Mays
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
My relentlessness in doing and accomplishing what I was put on this earth to do.
I don’t meet a lot of people like myself. I’m serious about what I’m doing. Not to say that everyone else isn’t-but I’ve adapted my values, career goals, and motivations to my lifestyle. Everything that is an extension of me defines me. My drive to make an impact on things around me, my determination for improvement and growth are things that I wear on my sleeve.
But it’s not just about me. My passion in helping people through my work as a public servant, or from other things I’m engaged in, motivates me to help people reach their dreams while I stretch for mine.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
You can learn something from everyone you encounter if you choose to. Through light discussion, or deep conversation, I’ve found that there is always something interesting you can learn from people. No matter who the person is, what they’ve done, or where they’ve been, you can always pick up something new.
In valuing growth as a person I enjoy getting other perspectives on things. In understanding how things shape the things around us it’s important to look at things from different angles.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
I’m inspired by the people that have told me that I really have something to give to this world.
My talents, skills, work ethic and determination are things that people take serious about me. They’ve always said, “Greg…you’re going to do some great things in your lifetime.” I don’t want to let those family members, friends or mentors down. They are my motivation when things get tough. They help me to stay me…to remain original.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
One person would be Paul Robeson. The man’s story is brilliant and tragic. I’d love to ask him what he would have done differently in life.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Wow. A typical day for me is a balancing act that involves my career, my company and my affiliations. Working in local government, especially from a macro-level position, you deal with so many things on the spectrum of issues related to delivering services to your citizens and customers. I work with citizens, businesses, schools, non-profits, other governments, government agencies, media outlets, elected officials, and other groups on any given day of the week.
Because I have my own business, I have to allot some time of the day to think about things to help advance the goals that I’ve set. It takes a lot of time and investment to create and run your own business. Right now we are refocusing our marketing strategy so I try to come up with new ideas every day.
Being engaged in so many things, it’s important to keep track of what’s going on. Things can fall through the cracks easily. To do lists, sticky notes, voice memos, and the dreadful-“how did I forget that!”-run my day.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That my natural talent is in the arts (oil painting). I got accepted into the Pratt Institute in New York out of high school but couldn’t afford to attend. Although I don’t fit much painting into my current lifestyle, I always find ways to utilize my creative talents in the workplace or in doing other things. Artists are always using different mediums to create.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
A fresh perspective on what it takes to be a modern day leader and community builder. In my industry we talk a lot about the differences between elected officials (the charismatic, visionary leaders that set policy) and the administrators (those with technical expertise that implement policy).
I believe that in order to be an effective leader in modern day communities, leaders are going to have to be a blend of both. It takes a deep understanding of government operations and challenges to make good decisions in government, but it also takes the charisma, charm and compassion to communicate it.
We’ve got to make better decisions in local government from all angles to take full advantage of the opportunities that exist within our communities.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Running a major city.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Being a public servant takes a lot out of you. It’s difficult to turn it on and off as you come and go from the office. I become attached to the things and issues that we face on a daily basis. It drives my thoughts; always thinking of a better way to do something or the problem that a citizen had. It really just isn’t a job.
I try to overcome the challenge of letting it dominate my thoughts, but I’m still not certain that it is possible being a public servant. Maybe it just comes with the territory.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Positive, Persistent, Passionate.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
For inspiring people to reach their full potential by taking control of their dreams and defining ways to reach them.
Name: James Casey Perkins Jr.
Current Gig/Occupation: CEO and Founder of Thrasher Funds, Money Manager/ Writer (thrasherfunds.com)
Motto: Be Inspired. Then Inspire.
Favorite Quote: Progress in the journey called life is determined more by failure, than by success. Don’t let failure or mistakes rob you of your drive by paralyzing you with guilt or disappointment…”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
Because our company is doing something that has never been done before. Thrasher Funds is a media, financial advisory, and consulting firm that deals primarily with how money, music, fashion, and culture intersect with the stock market.
We specialize in educating, preparing and offering media and money management services to a new generation of investors.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
The only thing between you and your dreams is you. Whatever they may be. You have to be bold in taking over your life, and making it the one you want.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
My Parents. The book, As a Man Thinketh. The book, The Alchemist.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Miles Davis
Q: Describe a typical day.
First thing in the morning I update myself with the latest news, in the financial markets. I will then review specific pieces of news or trends that I am watching and finally, specific companies in our investment portfolio, or ones that I am looking to add.
Next, I do my culture analysis which includes my magazine, newspaper, blog and book readings. This can also include just going for a walk in downtown Manhattan to digesting everything that I have been reviewing – not necessarily from that morning.
Next I will gather and edit notes for my Perkins’ Picks (seen on FOX Business TV and at thrasherfunds.com), Cappuccino Thoughts, or one of our books from our series Making Money Never Goes Out of Style.
The afternoon generally includes checking in with the markets, television shoots for Network TV or ThrasherTV. In the afternoon I usually make time for status reports on design projects as well. The evenings begin with a gym session (yoga, basketball, or weights). I usually take a little bit of everything home.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love to paint.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
Thrasher combines haute culture with haute financial services. Thrasher’s GendeXTM Mutual Fund, was the first mutual fund ever targeted toward Generations X, Y and beyond. Through our GendeX™ Mutual Fund, ThrasherTV and other products, and services, we offer Next Investors, a group of more than 80 million Gen X and Y’ers largely overlooked by the financial market place until now, the opportunity to leverage their youth along with disciplined investment and savings strategies to help investors use what they already know to get engaged in the stock market.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to continue to influence the world of investing with a new perspective on investing strategies and marketing.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
The balance of Life. As indicated in my favorite quote: “Progress in the journey called life is determined more by failure, than by success. Don’t let failure or mistakes rob you of your drive by paralyzing you with guilt or disappointment…” My virtue is to continue to become better at managing life’s ups and down.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Intense. Serious. Fun.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for being kind.
Name: Livingroom Johnston
Current Gig/Occupation: Freelance writing/painting
Motto: LIVINGROOM JOHNSTON
Favorite Quote: “I AM THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF GOLD!” – Salvador Dali
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
In the future as we become more mature as a species, meaning more in touch with what really matters, we will all realize that we are all important and it is then that we will recognize we’re all worthy of watching, not at the exclusion of others but at the inclusion of all. In that sense I, just like everyone else, and too worth watching.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
To communicate in a way where all will understand. It is essential in order to progress.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
Chester Himes, especially the novel titled: ‘Plan B’, Bukowski, Salvador Dali, Haze, Monihan Monihan, Jean Grae, Daoud, Rasu, The invisible man a.k.a Madrew, Jay-Z, Aldus Huxley, Snoop Dogg. Working on a steady basis. No need to be specific. Its all in between the lines.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Me – if I wasn’t me. It would be good to see how the inspiration looks when it comes.
Q: Describe a typical day.
It changes each day. Some consist of a lot of writing then meetings. Others consist of collecting doe stacks, painting and meetings.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That I am the physical manifestation of Gold.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
Execution of words and ideas. Swagger like a tom cat tramp in dove town.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Alive and a billionaire who invests in the well being of human life on multiple levels.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
White woman. They just come out of nowhere, smiling and ready.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Happy, healthy and wealthy.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
Meeting you.
Name: Tony Rome
Current Gig/Occupation: President and CEO – Maven Strategies
Motto: Anything is possible
Favorite Quote: “The price of greatness is responsibility” Sir Winston Churchill
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
Well, throughout my entire career I have set my sights on the unthinkable and generated strong results. For example, coming out of college I wanted to be a sports agent. I mean I was so determined, committed, and dedicated to represent professional athletes. A lot of people told me it would be impossible to become a sports agent. The reasons ranged from I was too young, to athletes who would not let a black man represent them.
Fortunately for me, I did not listen to negative folks. I ended up working at one of the top sports agencies in the world and I represented over 60 professional athletes during my career as a sports agent.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
You must do more to get more. This is a very simple yet powerful concept. I talk to many people who have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, but probably 95 percent of them never realize their dreams. Why? It requires them to do more. You have to do more research, you have to spend more time creating a plan, and among other things you have to be more committed to your dream than ever before. If you don’t do more you can never get more.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
My wife and two sons inspire me.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
I would like to meet the first slave who dared to escape the bondage of slavery. I’m interested in meeting people who set the foundation for change.
Q: Describe a typical day.
I’m up by 7:00 a.m., grab breakfast with the family and I’m out the door to the gym by 8:15 a.m. I spend about an hour in the gym and I get to the office by 10:00 a.m. My typical work day starts with prioritizing task for the day. From there a normal day will include project updates from my staff, calls with clients, working on client projects, and identifying new business opportunities. On most days I’m in the office until 7:00 p.m., at home by 7:15 p.m. and having dinner by 7:30 p.m. The boys go to bed around 8:30 p.m., and I’m down by midnight.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That I love coaching little league baseball.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I bring a uniquely diverse experience to the marketing world. Typically marketing executives have experience in a given category say consumer products. My marketing experience includes sports, music, film, consumer products, banking, tourism and mobile. My broad experience allows me to provide a uniquely high level of insight to our customers.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Winning the Little League World Series with my team.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
I’m still trying to master the ability to win constantly.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Fearless. Dedicated. Positive.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
Helping others achieve their goals
Name: Jameel Saleem
Current Gig/Occupation: Writer/Director (www.saleemfilms.com)
Motto: Live bold
Favorite Quote: “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today” – James Dean
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
My intention wasn’t to be “watched” as a person, although I know it sometimes comes with the territory. The films I make are meant to inspire and deliver a message to anyone willing to receive it. Because of the writing and particular subject matters I explore, my films are very diverse and appeal to the widest possible audience, the human race.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
I’ve learned that if I don’t love life, and express gratitude for everything that I have and am able to do at this moment, then I’ll never really be successful.
Q: What or who are your inspirations?
My parents are the biggest inspiration for me. They taught me how to be decent and honest and all that good stuff.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.)
Q: Describe a typical day.
I wake up around noon, check my phone for messages. Then, I jump on the laptop and check my email, facebook, myspace, etc. If I don’t have any meetings, I’ll get right to work. Right now, I’m in pre-production on the feature film, “The Rub” www.therub-movie.com. That includes: location scouting, story boarding, casting, etc. I usually watch anywhere from 5-10 movies throughout the day for studying purposes, and also just for pleasure. To end out my day, I work on my scripts, usually until the early hours of the morning. Last week I wrote the first draft for a feature film that we are shooting right after “The Rub” in March 09.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love old black & white movies from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. I’ve been watching them with my parents since I was a little boy. I enjoy watching actors like: James Stewart, Tyrone Power, Mickey Rooney, James Dean, Sidney Portier, Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and James Cagney.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I bring my perspective and ultra sensitivity towards human kindness and human suffering. I bring my love and respect for motion pictures, which not only inspire great thinking, but also change lives.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to be the first African-American director to win the prestigious Academy Award for best director of a feature film.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
I’m still trying to master the art of film making.
Q: What three words to describe your attitude?
Calm, Confident, and Conscious.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
I’d like to be remembered for the positive messages that I hope to put forth in my films.
Thank you for this honor, I will forever be grateful!
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This article in on point.
[...] Magazine named me a Black Man to Watch, along with 11 other young, black and gifted men out there doing their thing, and subsequently [...]
I sure hope that the other persons featured in this article are more legitimate than Devin James who is known in Memphis as a “Con Artist.” This man is a huge liar and has taken advantage of many people who tried to help him along the way. When I met Mr. James, he told me that he had won custody of his son in a court of law. NOT TRUE, but he typically tried to win people over by projecting himself as an honest person. This guy is a phony and its hard to believe he’s featured in your magazine.
Good to see the brothers on their business grind. I have to say that, “Mahershalalhashbaz Ali” is quite a looker!!! Good job Clutch. Make it a point to produce such profiles on the regular.