Like many young men, I too was raised in a single parent home by my mother. Though she did everything a child could hope for in raising me; not having my father in my life left more questions than answers as I searched for guidance towards becoming a man. Over the years I have faced countless emotional and physical challenges. On September 27th of 1997, my life changed forever. I became a victim of gun violence during an off campus party, while I was a student at Wayne State University. The shooting was the product of an altercation, that evening, with several young men who were also in attendance. The act of nearly losing my life was more than enough to make me realize something had to change. Yet, it was the hidden message I received while reflecting- that moved me to do so; and that was, someone felt the world would be a much better place without my presence. From that point on I made the conscious decision to become a positive influence in my life and the lives of others. I began to volunteer my time in the community with various organizations such as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Think Detroit PAL Football. Professionally, I started gaining experience in the areas of management, sales and Learning & Development.
I earned my first management role at the age of 19 while working for an area casino after only two and a half months. In November of 2004 I began working as a sales rep for T-Mobile's largest indirect carrier in the country. By April of 2005 I had earned four promotions; taking my fifth in February of 2006 to become the National Sales and Development Trainer over the Southeast Region of the US. Other professional roles include Michigan Market Director (for the same T-Mobile Indirect distributor), Senior Program Manager and Learning & Development Specialist for an international education based Non-Profit.
In 2009 I published my first book, From Me to You, A Memoir. The book, composed of a collection of letters written to everyone that has influenced my life, is part memoir and part biography- in progress. In 2012, I created The Manhood Project (TMP), which is a mentoring and leadership development program designed to support under-served males. Its mission, is to maximize the positive qualities of young men while minimizing any temptations to engage in at-risk behaviors, through self-exploration, character building and communication skills development. TMP has grown from a small pilot, working with 20 young men, to now serving more than 300 annually across multiple schools and communities. Additionally, Coach Black works with PEAR (Partnering in Education And Resilience)- a Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital affiliate. The organization offers research and evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies to community partners working with youth.
Having overcome countless personal, professional and spiritual hurdles in life, I was still able to function through it all, gaining certain skillsets, moving forward while experiencing a level of success and fulfillment. Unlike therapy and other forms of counseling, coaching is NOT about you reliving the past. In fact, coaching is about moving towards a better future. As your Certified Life Strategies Coach, together, we will determine where you are today, set personal goals and identify the most optimal strategies for achievement and balance for today and beyond. Again, this is not about the past. Nor is it about me. This is about discovering who you are, taking the opportunity to tap into your inner strength, your resilience- using it to create the best life available- defined by you, and developed together with me. Looking forward to your journey. -Coach Black
I earned my first management role at the age of 19 while working for an area casino after only two and a half months. In November of 2004 I began working as a sales rep for T-Mobile's largest indirect carrier in the country. By April of 2005 I had earned four promotions; taking my fifth in February of 2006 to become the National Sales and Development Trainer over the Southeast Region of the US. Other professional roles include Michigan Market Director (for the same T-Mobile Indirect distributor), Senior Program Manager and Learning & Development Specialist for an international education based Non-Profit.
In 2009 I published my first book, From Me to You, A Memoir. The book, composed of a collection of letters written to everyone that has influenced my life, is part memoir and part biography- in progress. In 2012, I created The Manhood Project (TMP), which is a mentoring and leadership development program designed to support under-served males. Its mission, is to maximize the positive qualities of young men while minimizing any temptations to engage in at-risk behaviors, through self-exploration, character building and communication skills development. TMP has grown from a small pilot, working with 20 young men, to now serving more than 300 annually across multiple schools and communities. Additionally, Coach Black works with PEAR (Partnering in Education And Resilience)- a Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital affiliate. The organization offers research and evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies to community partners working with youth.
Having overcome countless personal, professional and spiritual hurdles in life, I was still able to function through it all, gaining certain skillsets, moving forward while experiencing a level of success and fulfillment. Unlike therapy and other forms of counseling, coaching is NOT about you reliving the past. In fact, coaching is about moving towards a better future. As your Certified Life Strategies Coach, together, we will determine where you are today, set personal goals and identify the most optimal strategies for achievement and balance for today and beyond. Again, this is not about the past. Nor is it about me. This is about discovering who you are, taking the opportunity to tap into your inner strength, your resilience- using it to create the best life available- defined by you, and developed together with me. Looking forward to your journey. -Coach Black
