This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself?
I’m just a kid from the tobacco fields of North Carolina, shaped by the lessons I learned from my grandfather. He wasn’t just a builder, he was a visionary who created opportunities for African Americans, from establishing homesteads to building a school for grades 7-12 and even a church. His work wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was about creating a sense of community and purpose, which I feel led me to my passion for helping and serving my community. Watching him, I learned early on the importance of education, the power of faith, and the value of hard work. These lessons have been my North Star, guiding me in every step of my professional journey. They remind me that building something meaningful is never just about the work—it’s about the legacy you leave behind.
Tell us about your business/industry?
Business and economic development have been my passion for 50 years. As President and CEO of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, I have the privilege of helping disenfranchised communities gain access to social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights awareness. As an organization serving our region for close to 57 years, the mission of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee is about more than just opportunities, it’s about transforming and empowering communities, and changing lives.
What should we know about you?
I am faithful to my family, friends, colleagues, and the work I have been called to do. At the core of it all is my faith in God, which shapes who I am and guides every step of my journey. It’s this unwavering foundation that keeps me grounded and focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
How did you get to your current position?
I know I am in my position today by the hand and direction of God. Every step of my professional journey has been part of His plan, preparing me for the role I am honored to hold now. Each experience has shaped me and equipped me to serve with purpose and passion.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
I’ve come to deeply appreciate the value of building networks, partnerships, and friendships with people I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to connect with. For this, I’m truly thankful and feel incredibly blessed. The involvement of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee with the Chamber has allowed us to build and sustain partnerships with individuals, organizations, and businesses that we may not have otherwise connected with.
What are 3 facts your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I have hands-on experience operating heavy equipment to build roads and develop essential infrastructure, which has given me a deep respect for the work that goes into shaping our communities. Interestingly, I once turned down an offer to play college basketball. On a personal note, I’m proud to share that I’m related to Arthur Ashe on my mother’s side of the family—a connection that inspires me to aim higher and make a positive impact in everything I do.
How does your business support the Chamber’s mission of creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership?
The Urban League’s mission focuses on fostering economic self-reliance through workforce upskilling and equipping individuals to actively contribute to the economic development and prosperity of Nashville’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). By empowering communities and transforming lives, this mission aligns seamlessly with the Chamber’s commitment to creating economic prosperity through community leadership. Together, these efforts build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for growth and opportunity in the region.
What advice would you give a student about entering the workforce?
The best advice I can give to a student is to put themselves in a position to explore various career opportunities. When you identify a career that truly resonates with you, take the time to assess what it will take to succeed in that field. Then, commit wholeheartedly to preparing yourself and strive to be the best at what you do. Success comes from passion, preparation, and perseverance.
What are you currently reading?
I make it a priority to read my Bible daily, which keeps me grounded and inspired. Alongside that, I’m currently reading Where Do We Go From Here, The Sword and the Shield, and Who Will Tell the People. Each of these books offers profound insights into leadership, activism, and the dynamics of social and political change