King Crush Thursday - The Interviews

Jack Drummond  is a family oriented man, purpose driven breather, and curious lover of life (especially when considering what life is “right now.”)  Jack truly believes “these are the good old days!”He’s  also in love with all of his nieces and nephews – and if you ever have the opportunity meet any of them, you will understand why.  Jack has also had some experiences as a director, success coach, educational leader, administrator, advisor, community organizer, adjunct professor, and professional violinist.  He’s had over 15 years of mental health experience as an administrator and direct service provider for youth and families.  Jack has also been an administrator and faculty member at various colleges and universities in the Philadelphia region.

Watch the interview video HERE

Gregory Walker In his own words: “I was born and raised in Suburban Connecticut in the 1960s and 70s. I have lived in seven US cities including San Francisco, Atlanta, Fort Greene Brooklyn, Washington DC, Baltimore, Evanston Illinois, New Haven Connecticut and Philadelphia Pennsylvania during the last several decades. My passion for the Arts started as a young boy upon visiting the Wadsworth Atheneum on a school trip. I was fascinated and enjoy the images in the museum but became particularly excited when I stumbled upon the banjo lesson. The image was so striking to me reminded me of my own grandfather the image shows an older black man teaching a younger black boy how to play the banjo the image stayed with me in my head never knowing the artist never knowing the significance never knowing why that was the only image of black people of black men in particular otherwise worth Athenaeum the image stayed ingrained in my head for a very long time. In an art history class the image one day reappeared on the overhead projector I was shocked to see this image in my art history class the study of American art and art around the world. From This Moment On I became intrigued by the images painted by black men for black men about black men. My passion for the intersection of black men and the Arts has been something in my entire life. In every role in every position in every job I've held I have always included the intersection of the Arts and black men. I believe deeply in the transformative power of the Arts not only for black men but for the society at Large. My career trajectory has taken me from leading Public Health initiatives in New York City to helping to provide prevention and education programs for black men on a national level from my office in San Francisco.

Watch the interview video HERE

Dr. Victor J. Coleman Jr. is an acclaimed motivational speaker from Toledo, Ohio. Born into a poverty-stricken life, Victor has battled depression, drug and gang affiliations, along with low self-esteem and poor scholastic performance.

Harnessing those painful experiences, Victor has employed them to make an invaluable impact in the lives of others. Victor encourages others to take flight towards their ultimate destination – greatness.

He allows his life to be an “open book”with complete transparency because he genuinely believes that through his story, others will find the tenacity to succeed beyond their current circumstances.

In 2010, Victor graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Entertainment Business. In 2013, he received his Master's Degree in Entertainment Business. In 2019, he defended his dissertation on cross-ethnic mentoring, completing his Ph.D. in business management, specializing in leadership.

As a result of his dedicated efforts, Victor founded the V.J. Coleman Jr. Flight School in 2010; a coaching and mentoring organization that continues to encourage others to take flight toward their own spiritual, physical and mental destinations of success.

In 2019, Victor also launched Flying Financially Free, a financial literacy course where he educates others on budgeting, credit, debt payoff, and real estate. In this course, Victor shares the exact blueprint that helped him live rent and mortgage-free, putting him in a position to pay for his college education.

Victor continues to impact the lives of his family and friends daily while aspiring to share his message with the world. His life experiences and expertise in leadership and mentoring enable him to reach and empower a wide population throughout the nation.

Watch the interview video HERE

Don Miller, CPA's enthusiasm to be an entrepreneur began when he saw and understood his Dad managing Don’s Grandfather's tire shop, which he eventually took over.  Don tried many things, but while attending Xavier University in Louisiana, Don and a friend pushed a clothing brand called SHAPES and it was fortunate enough to be featured on Lou Rawl's Evening of Stars on BET.

After obtaining a B.S. in Accounting in 2003, Cum Laude, Don worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte in the audit and tax fields.  However in 2007, his passion to be creative prompted him to relaunch another brand, this time it would be called Rock Paper Denim 1970.  Rock Paper Denim is a 70s inspired athletic casual brand.  The mission of the company is to inspire people with a message of hope that's expressed thru style and story.  The brand has been in stores, on runways, magazines and featured in films.  The brand motto is the world will know.  Don is excited to see how it continues to evolve.

Currently, Don still practices working as a CPA while growing Rock Paper Denim. Check out the podcast on all of your favorite podcast platforms!  

Check out the video of the interview HERE!

John W. Spencer is a lifelong Philadelphian who believes that businesses have the responsibility to impact people, the planet, and profit positively. Currently, John a public school Principal and CEO of TEACH IT Labs, Inc. He has over 25 years of service as an educator. With that in mind, he formed TEACH IT Labs, Inc. [TEACH IT]. TEACH IT’s mission is to provide information technology that imparts skill and provides knowledge for social change and the advancement of humanity. John holds a Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, along with Master's Degrees from Lehigh University and Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Morgan State University.

Check out the video of this interview HERE!

Sidney Hargro is a philanthropy executive, advisor, and speaker who is on a quest to transform philanthropy by advocating for funders, philanthropists, and social investors to embed a full commitment to intersectional racial equity in their practices in in pursuit of liberation for Black, Indigenous, and People Color. He currently serves as the president of Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.  Philanthropy Network supports funders and social investors in greater Philadelphia as a hub for learning, knowledge-sharing, and partnership. Philanthropy Network works to integrate policy, equity, and social innovation in philanthropy to help to increase regional impact.

Hargro is also a Lecturer in the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, teaching equity-informed social impact measurement. Previously, he led the Community Foundation of South Jersey, a startup foundation which grew from $400,000 to over $20 million in assets in seven years. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Officer at The Columbus Foundation, the nation’s 7th largest community foundation.

Hargro currently serves on boards of international, national and regional organizations. He earned a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, summa cum laude, from North Carolina A&T State University. Follow Sidney on Twitter @sidneyrhargro and on LinkedIn.

Check out the video of this interview HERE!

Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr., is the youngest of three children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Boykin Jones of West Philadelphia.  Dr. Jones is a deeply devoted husband having been united to his very lovely wife Melissa in October of 1991.  They are the very proud parents of four wonderful children:  Aleah, Damone, Jr., Alyssa and Dominic.

Dr. Jones received Christ as Savior and Lord at the young age of sixteen years old.  Being led by the Holy Spirit, he answered the call to the Gospel Ministry at eighteen years of age.  On November 5, 1986, Dr. Jones was licensed to preach the Gospel by his beloved father in the ministry the late Dr. Hiawatha Coleman, former Pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia.  

Dr. Jones graduated from the Lamberton High School in June of 1984 and the RETS Electronic School in May of 1986.  Dr. Jones’ early theological training includes Manna Bible Institute and The Center for Urban Theological Studies.  Dr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Philadelphia Biblical University (Now Cairn University) in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.  Dr. Jones also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Palmer Theological Seminary, the Seminary of Eastern University.

Having a tremendous burden for at-risk youth, Dr. Jones served at the Philadelphia Youth Center (now the Juvenile Justice Services center), as Coordinating Chaplain during the late eighties.  Dr. Jones also served as a panelist for the District Attorney’s Youth Aid Panel and as President of the Police Clergy Program in the 19th Police District.  Dr. Jones also served his community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Carroll Park Community Council.  In 2001, Dr. Jones was appointed by Mayor John F. Street to the City of Philadelphia Board of Ethics and in 2006 appointed by Mayor Street to a Blue Ribbon Commission on Children’s Behavioral Health in the City of Philadelphia.  In 2008, Dr. Jones was appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter to the Advisory Board of the Mayor’s Office of Community Services and appointed again by Mayor Nutter to the Philadelphia Board of Ethics in 2009.  Dr. Jones was appointed in 2010 by Mayor Michael Nutter to the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Prison System and appointed Board Chairman in 2015.  Under Mayor Jim Kenney, Dr. Jones was re-appointed to the Advisory Board of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.  In 2014, Dr. Jones was appointed to Governor-elect Tom Wolf’s Transition Team Co-Chairing the Review Committee on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.  Dr. Jones currently serves on the Governor's Advisory Commission For African American Affairs. 

Deeply concerned for the reduction of crime in the community, Dr. Jones was the first President of the Organized Anti-Crime Community Network, which brought the first National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community to Philadelphia.  Dr. Jones spends significant time collaborating with the Police and the District Attorney advocating for young people in court.  As a trusted community leader, Dr. Jones has assisted and accompanied four homicide fugitives in turning themselves in to the authorities. Under Dr. Jones’ leadership, Bible Way Baptist Church became an approved Community Service Site for the Philadelphia Departments of Adult and Juvenile Probation.  Dr. Jones has mentored many young men over the years, including serving as a spiritual advisor to Philadelphia Rapper Meek Mill.  Because of his passion for working with incarcerated youth, Dr. Jones formed The BrothaHood Foundation, a non-profit, basketball/mentoring program for incarcerated youth who are charged as adults and in custody within the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.

 Dr. Jones has worked diligently to bring educational resources to the community by serving on the Boards of Carson Valley School, Raising Horizons Quest Charter School, The West Philadelphia Regional Branch of Community College of Philadelphia and The Christian Academy in Brookhaven, PA.  Dr. Jones has served as Adjunct Professor at Lancaster Bible College at the Center for Urban Theological Studies (C.U.T.S) in Philadelphia and at the Eastern School of Christian Ministry at Palmer Theological Seminary in St. David's, PA and currently serves as Member of the Board of Trustees and Adjunct Professor at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA.

After obediently heeding God’s call to the Pastorate of the Bible Way Baptist Church in West Philadelphia, Dr. Jones was ordained on November 5, 1993 at the Mount Zion Baptist Church.  Dr. Jones is a much sought after preacher, lecturer and teacher.  Dr. Jones has trained Deacons at a number of local churches and conducted numerous workshops and seminars in the areas of Leadership, Men’s Ministries, Youth Ministries, and his personal favorite: How to Connect with At-Risk Youth.  Dr. Jones has guest lectured at Eastern University, Temple University, Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University) and Palmer Theological Seminary.   

Dr. Jones has held membership with The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., The Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention; The Black Clergy of Philadelphia; and he is Past Moderator of the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association.

The Bible Way Baptist Church @biblewayphilly membership has more than tripled under Dr. Jones’ leadership and more than forty-one active ministries have been implemented to serve the diverse needs of the church and community. Bible Way continues on a steady path of substantive growth.  Dr. Jones is also very proud of his spiritual sons in the ministry who began pastoring their own churches under his leadership. (Pastor Clarence Washington/Haven Peniel United Methodist Church; Pastor Raymond Harris/Christ Tabernacle Baptist Church; Pastor Robert J. Fontell, Jr./Calvary Christian Church; Pastor Gregory A. Johnson, Greater St. Matthew’s Independent Church; Pastor John C. Gblah/International Baptist Church; Pastor Joe Nock/Second Antioch Baptist Church, Pastor Michael Robinson/Greater Enon Baptist Church, Pastor Khalil B. Rogers/Peniel Baptist Church, Reverend William A. Davis, Assistant Pastor at the Service Baptist Church; and Pastor Vernal E. Simms, Jr./Millcreek Baptist Church.

Check out the video of this interview HERE!

Dr. J. Steven Blake was born in Mississippi and educated there; graduating from the University of Mississippi with dual degrees in chemistry and zoology (1980). He’s the 2nd youngest of 4 children by his mother and father, with one sister by his father. 

Dr. Steve was a medical technologist (laboratory medicine specialist) before being accepted to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985. He was fortunate enough to be awarded a fellowship in gastroenterology (1994), directly after completing his residency in Internal Medicine (1992).

In 12/1996, he took a leap of faith and quit my job and followed the urging of his parents and started his own medical practice. In 2005, Dr. Steve and his team completed the new construction of their state of the art medical building that housed both their consultative practice as well as their ambulatory endoscopy surgery center.

Dr. Steve's goal for his practice is to be creative to sustain, thrive, and remain in the community in the fight to prevent and cure colon cancer.

Check out the video of this interview HERE!

Keith McLeod is a Philadelphia native born and raised.  Received a BS & AS in accounting in ‘92.  As a hard working black male, the majority of his career has been in Business, Accounting, Administration and Customer Service.  In his own words, "I like to think of myself as The Business Administration Professional Problem Solver.  I’m married to my high school sweetheart for 29yrs and have 4 adult children.  I serve an Elder in my local church.  I love family, fitness and planning events especially my Summer Travel Getaway.  I also act on the side and were involved in several productions.  I would love to be on the big screen and be an animated voice, as well as do voiceovers.  I love life, people and to be an encourager to all."  

Watch the interview on VIDEO

Alexander Dawson IV is from Haw River, North Carolina. He played Division 1 football at Elon University, where he ultimately earned his MBA. An avid traveler, he taught English in Costa Rica, before going to law school at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating in May 2020, Dawson studied for, and passed the bar exam in advance of beginning his employment at a top New York law firm. He then moved to Colombia to study Spanish and work on his mixtape. 

During his free time, Dawson enjoys boxing, traveling, Connect4, and spending time with his friends and family, including his 3 younger siblings.