Q: What is the most exciting part about your work in Newark?
A:
The most exciting part is seeing how people can transform their lives and the lives of those around them through the power of entrepreneurship and small ownership and take control of their own destiny. It’s not just about connecting people to capital, it’s about supporting people become confident about making good decisions for themselves and seeing the corresponding impact on their lives.
Q: What do you think boys and young men of color need in order to succeed?
A:
Foundationally, there are two basic things. One, they need the knowledge and confidence to say "I can do something." Two, they also need the flexibility and compassion to know that it’s OK to fail. The way in which a lot of cultures are, especially Latino or African-American culture and when dealing with machismo, failure is often looked down upon. If we can recognize the sensitivity of our young men and show them that it’s OK to fail and be vulnerable that will help them develop the confidence to say "I can do it."
Q: Why is the work of MBK Newark important to you?
A:
MBKN creates opportunities for young people to have a point of reference. A young person can say "oh that person is like me," or ‘they come from the same area as me," or "wow I am smarter than that person and they were able to achieve those things."
If we could help create an anchor point for a young person of color that doesn't have that and allow them to push themselves beyond that point, then that is everything!
Mayor Baraka said, regarding the role of nonprofits in the community, that organizations should provide cover fire and protection to give people the space not only to fail but also to try and to grow. Those two reasons are what drew me support the work of MBKN. I do a lot of work with everyone, but I specifically support young men of color because I know that they can miss so much in terms of that opportunity, that precedent, that connection. If I could play any role and help change that then that is what I will do.
Q: What has been the best piece of advice that you received?
A:
One, always take a meeting. You never know where an opportunity is going to present itself. If it costs an hour of time, then it’s definitely worth it.
Two, always assume positive intent. When somebody's trying to do something don't always assume the worst. Assume positive intent. Usually if somebody is being nasty it has nothing to do with you, it’s something else.
A bonus one, be in the position to take advantage of opportunity and be mindful that opportunity doesn't take advantage of you. Always be prepared. When you have an opportunity to better yourself, capacity building, take it. You want to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves as opposed always chasing things down and then finding out that you are miserable because you are always trying to get to the greener grass.
