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Hey there! Welcome to ”King Crush Thursday,” where we’re shining a light on the diverse and inspiring lives of black men from all walks of life. Our guests are here to share their unique success stories, from business moguls to skilled artisans, all embodying strength and dignity. We’re on a mission to reshape the usual narratives about black men, showcasing positivity and achievement. It’s a space for everyone, especially young black guys looking for role models, and anyone eager to broaden ...
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Dymiere Finch is a vibrant, young (28) executive hailing from Columbus, OH who holds several positions with the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS). Dymiere is the Executive Director over the state of Pennsylvania for NCUS, The African American Male Wellness Agency, and is also the Co-Coordinator for The Black Men’s Wellness Day. While overs…
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Brent Johnstone: Fathers Read 365 (FR365)’s mission is to encourage fathers and/or caregivers to read daily with children in a variety of settings to develop literacy from birth. FR365 provides an early intervention method structured to increase the amount of books read and given away to preschoolers through kindergarten and create a culture of lit…
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Nhlanhla Mavundla @nhlanhla_mav A young man from South Africa. Studied Psychology and is currently working in South Korea. “I am passionate about issues of black consciousness and making a difference in others lives.” See the Video Interview HEREBy Val Gay
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Wayne Barnett- Head, External Affairs, Cordia Mr. Barnett is responsible for development and supporting Cordia’s thermal district and distributed energy Infrastructure businesses across North America and advancing the company’s interests. He leads initiatives that build and execute brand awareness, strengthen marketing and communications, raise cor…
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Christopher Fulton is a 26-year-old software engineer working at Google. He was born in Philadelphia. He spends a lot of time wondering how the universe and world function. He loves to skateboard, play video games, and watch movies. Recently, he has taken up playing the bass guitar as well. See the Video Interview HERE…
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Robert Vincent Fuller, Sr_ 1971 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School. Member of National Honor Society. Attended Shippensburg State College from 1971-1973. Answered call to ministry at 16 years of age while attending Zoar United Methodist Church under the Pastorate of Rev Joshua E. Licorish. Studied Basic Biblical at Phila College of Bible & E…
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AKEIFF STAPLES is married to Anika Thompson-Staples, with whom they have 3 children (Jalen, Brice, Daley). Born and raised in South Media, Pennsylvania, Akeiff is an entrepreneur by trade. Akeiff received a bachelor's degree from Temple University in Geography & Urban Studies and brings to the table nearly two decades of social work experience enga…
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Dr. Reynaldo Anderson currently serves as the Graduate Director and Associate Professor of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reynaldo is currently the Executive Director and co-founder of the Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM), an international network of artists, intellectuals, creative…
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Eric K. Grimes - Brother Shomari - Peaceful by nature, unwavering in the face of adversity, a stern and forceful catalyst seeking to stand as a measuring rod for those aspiring to model lives of meaning and significance! A trusted and informed community voice who develops boundary stretching, strategic and transformative community knowledge, prepar…
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A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr. is a music historian, pianist, composer, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Pennsylvania and 2022 Guggenheim Fellow. A widely-published writer, he’s the author of Race Music: Black Cultures from Bebop to Hip-Hop (2003), and The Amazing Bud Powell: Black Geni…
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Brian Marshall, Jr - Full-Time Radiologic Technologist, Associate Pastor of the Bible Way Baptist Church in Philadelphia currently oversees Christian Education under Dr. Damone Jones Sr., volunteer for “BROTHERHOOD”, Graduate of Sayre High School (2008), Graduate of Bloomsburg University of PA (2014), Graduate of Penn Medicine’s school of Radiologi…
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From 2016 to the present, Emerson has curated and been featured in galleries, mostly in the Philadelphia area. 2019, Emerson made it to the top 6 in a statewide Puma designer competition out of 160 entries. Also in 2019, Emerson helped design a dress for the Penn Museum, which will be on display for a decade. 2021, Emerson helped design a shoe for …
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TIMOTHY SHEPHERD (Music Composer) believes his purpose is to create music that reflects the vast depths of the human spirit. While helping other artists further manifest their projects, he utilizes his skillset in music composition and music & video production to enhance his talents and expand his collaborative style. As an Artistic Coordinator & P…
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Thomas C. Knox is the creator of Date While You Wait, the 13-time award-winning, Emmy-winning connection platform turned TV series that has over 11 million views on YouTube and Facebook. Affectionately known as the “Connection Curator”, Knox is a serial entrepreneur running The Connection Collective and BeGreat Bow Ties. He has been featured in the…
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Tyrique Glasgow, founder of Young Chances Foundation which is dedicated to providing essential resources and activities without the red tape to those who need support in Philadelphia. Tyrique started the foundation in 2012 following the murder of one of his childhood friends, who was playing flag football. Young Chances Foundation transformed one o…
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William Tyrone Toms is a 30-something award-winning entrepreneur from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After starting his first company at the age of 21, Will Toms has quickly made a name for himself in the region's startup community at the intersection of culture & economics. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of REC Philly, serving as the v…
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Ashley Scott, @AshleyScott3 hailing from the vibrant soulful musical city of Philadelphia, PA, stands as a powerhouse vocalist celebrated for his globally chart-topping singles. His 2022 release, “Together,” joins a stellar lineup that includes the soulful ballad “Words” (2016), the infectious groove of “Thought of You” (2021), the dance anthem “Da…
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Lazarus Bruner, Jr. is originally from Oklahoma City, OK. Lazarus, his wife Evonna, and 3 children have resided in the Atlanta Metro area for the past 15 years. Lazarus has a wealth of experience in industries such as sales, education, coaching youth sports, and fitness. In February of 2021, Lazarus left his full time job to pursue what he called "…
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Coley Jones is the Business Banking Market Executive for North Florida, South Georgia and the Space Coast, where he leads local market client teams to help local companies grow, improve cash flow and invest for the future. Business Banking serves companies, generally with annual revenues of $5 million to $50 million, and companies up to $2 billion …
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Torrence Simmons @torrencersimmons is a country boy from Quitman, GA by way of Dixie, GA. Spending his early years on a chicken farm with his nearest neighbor was his great-great aunt and uncle (they had a 50+ acre farm with hogs, chickens, corn, and almost everything in “Hold My Mule” aka You Name It. By middle school, he moved to “town” and in hi…
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Dr. Molefi Kete Asante is Professor and Chair, in Africology at Temple University. Asante, often called the most prolific African American scholar, has published 95 books, among the most recent are Being Human Being. He is considered one of the most quoted living African authors as well as one of the most distinguished thinkers in the African world…
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Jean-Pierre Brice, more affectionately known as "Uncle P" in his Chester, PA community, carries a story of transformation that mirrors the very essence of human resilience and hope. His journey began amidst the vibrant hustle of Brooklyn, New York, on the 22nd of December in 1979, but his narrative quickly relocated to the close-knit streets of Che…
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Dr. Owen Brown, Jr. @TheOwenValentine @TheVocalScientist Is a renowned expert on Vocal performance, technique, health, maintenance, and injury treatment. He has worked with a whose who of celebrity performers including Teddy Pendergrass, Mary J Blige, Chic, EWF and many others. He is also the inventor of the SMT formula and has been responsible for…
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Cameron Mitchell is a photographer and multimedia producer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in event, wedding, corporate, editorial, and sports photography with an emphasis on creative portraiture. He is also an award-winning short film producer and contributor, and has taught photography master classes as a guest professor at Morehous…
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Donald Robinson is a GRAMMY-nominated record producer/ songwriter/ keyboardist who loves helping indie artists about the music business, both on the creative and business -side. Donald says: “I am a God fearing man who understands is purpose in life. To use my God given gifts to bless people through the music He has given me.” Donald works with art…
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Marlowe Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and attended St. Athanasius Catholic School from K-8 grades. He is a proud graduate of Central High School in Philadelphia (250). After High School, he continued his education at Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an Emphasis in Finance. After starting his profess…
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Kyle Hobson, also known as Kyle the Jukebox, is a multifaceted professional, creative, and an active alumni of Morehouse College. A proud product of New York, Kyle has built himself as a multifaceted artist, being a musician, writer, journalist and poet while remaining to work in his community. Morehouse developed his poetic ability and opportuniti…
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Dr. William C. Luff or “Doc”is an enthusiastic leader, educator, professional counselor, consultant and lecturer. William has enjoyed a 35 year career in the events industry working as an entrepreneur, production manager, audio engineer, lighting designer, and operations manager. He has had the great fortune of lighting and mic'ing three seated Pre…
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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 …
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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 starte…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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 pre…
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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 receiv…
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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 t…
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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 hig…
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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 beginnin…
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Jay Reed was born and raised in West Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School where he was an Art major. He graduated in 1991, and shortly after, served in the United States Marine Corps as a Food service Specialist until 1995. Jay came home and started to work in Food service as an Executive Chef, for about a year. He decided to explore ano…
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Kenneth York is the Proud father of 2: a handsome 8 year old son and a beautiful 3 year old daughter. He’s been married to his beautiful high school sweetheart for 9 years. He is a proud Air Force veteran, and served for 6 years at Barksdale Air Force base. During that enlistment Kenneth had the honor to serve in the honor guard. It was during his …
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In his own words: “Imagine if Malcolm X collected comic books and played sports as a child . Then grew up into a blerd that sought autonomy from the government. To pursue black liberation . In support of strong black families and communities . Movies, pop culture, politics, black history and culture nothing concerning the diaspora is off limits fol…
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Richard A. Oliver Jr. is a dynamic 25-year-old hailing from West Philadelphia, where he was born and raised. Richard's educational journey has been marked by determination and a commitment to public service. In 2020, he proudly graduated from East Stroudsburg University of PA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and Cum Laude Hono…
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V. Shayne Frederick is a rising star vocalist and pianist with performances spanning two decades. He has been featured at TEDx, NPR's Jazz Night in America, John Coltrane Jazz Festival, Center City Jazz Festival, The Barnes Foundation, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, among a myriad of jazz venues throughout the nation. Cited by the Broad Street …
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Dr. Kenneth Scott, President/CEO, Beech Companies is well known throughout the Philadelphia region for his support and commitment to community service. His work has produced comprehensive development in the areas of Business, Education, Finance, Media, Philanthropy, Real Estate Development and Technology. Dr. Scott currently serves as the President…
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Charles Watkins was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. He attended McDonogh 35 Sr. High, Columbus State University in Columbus, GA and law school at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Charles has been a prosecutor his entire career. Starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana then going to Waycross, GA and Atlanta, GA. Currently he is a federal prosecutor in B…
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Shane Nelson is a Black and Indian educator, social impact innovator, and entrepreneur. He thrives off of building value-based collaborations for students and organizations. Shane graduated from Drexel University in 2016 and Syracuse University in 2019. Outside of work, Shane reads, cooks, and sneaks a tv show in when he can. Check out the VIDEO of…
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John William, Flautist, born John William Conner, is vastly emerging as one of the premier flautist in the music industry. The Atlanta native prides himself on producing a unique sound that keeps his audience captivated until the very last note. From the mesmerizing melodies to the hypnotic harmonies, John believes that music is a conduit for one t…
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Brandon Chastang aka B Mcfly which stands for Being Motivated Comes From Loving Yourself, reenacts real life scenarios through skits to spread awareness while being sober. He has been clean since 2018 and serves as a powerful role model for others and activist for change in our community.By Val Gay
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David W. Brown has owned or managed five advertising/public relations firms throughout his 30+ career in Philadelphia. His most successful venture was BrownPartners, – which operated from 2002 – 2011 – and became one of the most decorated minority-owned ad agencies in the history of Philadelphia’s advertising industry. The company won almost every …
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Mark Prince was born and raised in Washington, DC and a proud 3rd generation graduate of Howard University. Mark is married to Karen Prince (whom he met at Howard) for 14+ years, with a beautiful 12 yr old daughter, McKenzie.vMark has maintained an international footprint as a top tier musician and recording artist for the last 25 years. Touring an…
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