This past August, in recognition of Black Philanthropy Month and the global call to honor the theme of Sankofa — a West African principle that urges us to “go back and get it” — we proudly welcomed the next class of Gamechangers: Black philanthropic leaders and bold collaborators shaping the future through innovation, generosity, and trust.

Tell us your story. (Your journey, your work, or what brought you to where you are today.)

My story really begins during my sophomore year at Tennessee State University when I lost my best friend to violence in Knoxville. Six months later, another close friend was killed. Those experiences changed everything for me. I shifted my focus from business marketing to political science because I wanted to understand and influence the systems and policies that left so many young men in my community believing there were only two paths—hooping or drugs. I made a promise to my grandmother and my best friend’s mother that I would dedicate my life to helping build a community rooted in hope, love, and opportunity for all people, especially Black boys.

Name a person, tradition, or community value from your past that guides how you give or serve today.

I always lean on the guidance of my grandmother and my mother. They both taught me that even when I thought I was giving my best, there was always more in me to give if I truly reached for it. Their strength, faith, and belief in me laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished. Those lessons, believing in myself and never settling for less than what’s possible, have carried me from my college days to my work now as an executive leader in Nashville.

Sankofa teaches us to look back so we can move forward. If you could speak to your younger self or to future generations of Black gamechangers, what lesson or moment from your past would you share?

I would tell young people to take time … time to be still, to think, and to listen to themselves. There’s always so much noise in the world, and even more now with social media and technology constantly around us. But progress often happens in silence. When we take the time to reflect, to rest, and to mentally strategize, we show up as our best selves.

Sankofa reminds me that growth comes from looking back and understanding where we come from. I encourage future Gamechangers to learn not just African American history, but African history, too, because our story didn’t begin with enslavement. It began long before that, with rich traditions, knowledge, and power. When we know our true roots, we can move forward with purpose, grounded in who we are. Being a Gamechanger means being a lifelong learner continually seeking to understand our history, our culture, and ourselves.

The parable of the talents teaches us to grow and share what we’ve been given. How have you used your gifts — whether time, talent, or resources — to make an impact in your community?

One of the greatest gifts I’ve been given, and one that my grandmother and mother instilled in me, is the ability to be a bridge builder. My talent lies in bringing people together to achieve a common goal, and in that process, helping them form real, lasting relationships. Building community isn’t just something that happens. It’s a skill that requires intention, patience, and care.

At a time when so much of our world feels disconnected, I believe in the power of human connection. No form of technology or AI can replace the impact of person-to-person relationships, the small, everyday moments that cultivate peace and love in our communities. My gift is authenticity, showing up fully as myself and grounded in who I am. That’s how I aim to build and strengthen the kind of community we all deserve.

How have you seen Black generosity and community investment show up in ways that might not always be recognized as philanthropy?

In my work with My Brother’s Keeper Nashville, I see Black generosity every day, though it doesn’t always look like what people traditionally call philanthropy. It shows up in small but powerful ways: $10 here, $50 there, given by people who believe in the mission and want to see young Black men thrive. It’s not about the size of the gift; it’s about the sacrifice and the heart behind it.

Beyond money, I see generosity in the time and wisdom that men in our community pour into our young people. They show up on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons to mentor, to share their stories, to guide young men toward opportunity. That kind of giving is just as valuable as writing a check, maybe even more so. Many of these men are still healing from their own childhood experiences, yet they give of themselves anyway. That’s philanthropy in its truest form: giving what you have, when you can, to help someone else rise.

How do you define “being a Gamechanger” in collaborative efforts or philanthropy?

To me, being a Gamechanger is simple — it’s about building Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community. It’s about making a choice every day to connect with others, whether or not they look like you, think like you, or share your background. A Gamechanger builds love, opportunity, and hope for everyone in their community.

It’s not about titles or wealth. You’re a Gamechanger when you step into the field, roll up your sleeves, and do the work to help others succeed. At My Brother’s Keeper Nashville, that means cultivating young men to be positive, productive citizens who see their own potential. In philanthropy, it means recognizing and investing in the people and places already driving change and putting your resources where they can make a real difference. Being a Gamechanger is about turning hope into action for the good of the whole community.

What wisdom or encouragement would you share with someone in Nashville who’s just beginning their journey here locally as a philanthropist or community leader?

I’d tell anyone starting out to take your time and be clear about your why — why you’re in this space, why you want to make a difference, and why you’re bringing people together. Lead with authenticity. As a Black man, I was often told I had to be twice as good to succeed, but I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can be is your true self. Show up as your best self, represent yourself well, and build the kind of community you want to live in, raise a family in, and grow within.

Nashville is rich with resources, financially, socially, and academically. Find your place in this ecosystem and thrive. Remember, you don’t need to make a massive impact overnight. Start small: host your first convening, give your first $200 to a cause you believe in, volunteer your time. Each step builds capacity, not just for the community but for your own ability to love, serve, and lead. When you harness that spirit, everything else falls into place.

What are you curious about, excited to see unfold, and/or looking forward to initiating over the next year?

I’m really excited about what can be created in this moment. Yes, there’s a lot of anxiety right now — economic uncertainty, political tension, and social unrest — but I see opportunity in it. Especially when it comes to supporting Black and Brown boys and our youth as a whole, this is a prime time to build and create something meaningful.

I’m energized by the idea of bringing people together to cultivate something new, or to strengthen the great work already happening, but through a stronger cultural lens. I’m looking forward to building initiatives that not only impact me personally, but also lift up communities across North, West, and South Nashville. Even in the midst of turmoil, I see hope. I believe that my colleagues, like Lonnell Matthews, and our team at My Brother’s Keeper Alliance are building something powerful. Something that will move our community forward, together.

Black Philanthropy Month: Sankofa Now!

The past holds the key to our future. As we navigate growing challenges, we must draw strength from those who came before us. For this year’s Black Philanthropy Month recognition, we must:

• Remember our philanthropic roots, built on collective care and community-driven investment. 
• Reclaim our power to shape the future, ensuring Black-led change is not just recognized but sustained.
• Rise by reinvesting in our people, our movements, and our solutions, because the future of Black philanthropy (and all humanity) depends on what we do today.

A thriving Black community benefits everyone. The fight for equity, opportunity, and justice strengthens our collective future, creating a world where all can prosper. Black philanthropy has always been a catalyst for change. In a time when progress is at risk, we need all hands on deck.