Purposed Men of Color

Mahogany Columbus had an opportunity to spend time with these men who demonstrate proof of what is possible and what leadership in its multitude of inspiring forms can look like when you are more focused on the why you do rather than the what you do. We asked: What’s the leadership lesson that you must keep learning and unlearning and relearning because the universe just keeps putting it in front of you.

Kevin Jones: Legislative Assistant to Councilman Nick Bankston, Founder, KJ Management Firm, President Central Ohio Young Dems.

“I believe the biggest success can come from co-opetition. People tend to think in either/or terms, as in either compete or cooperate, rather than compete and cooperate. But if you develop that flexibility and give the risks and rewards careful consideration, you may well gain an edge over those stuck thinking only about competition.”

“I’ve lived and worked in ‘bigger’ cities-New York and Florida, Columbus has culture, but we’re still discovering that different cultures are an asset. When people discover what they have, they find power. When people join in new connections and relationships, they build power. When people become more productive together, they exercise their power to address problems and realize dreams.”

Miguel ‘Geno’ Tucker: Founder, CEO Remember Us Urban Legends.

“I wake up every day committed to this work knowing my Black children are less likely to succeed because they live in a world that is often hostile to Black people. If they make one false move, they may not get a second chance at another simply because our world believes in second chances so long as the recipient is the right color or the white color.”

Our todays are what our yesterday’s made them; our tomorrows become the product of our todays. Think about who and what you connect with. Learn to be ok with being uncomfortable and inconvenienced. Be bold. If you’re scared, keep going. It’s good to be scared. Most things that are scary aren’t dangerous.”

Derek Amaya: Founder/Owner of Amaya Productions, Owner D. A. Construction & Remodeling LLC, Principal The Cave Bar & Lounge

Chris Suel: Meta (formerly Facebook) Community Development Regional Manager, Previous Assistant Director of External Affairs for Mayor Andrew Ginther

“The future never takes care of itself; it’s shaped, by the present.

“To me, being in the struggle means, no matter how hard things are, you haven’t given up. Being a hustler is when you’re earning your accomplishments and you wake up every day proud of who you are. I’m learning to appreciate the struggle and the hustle, because it would be hard to find the joy of accomplishment without it.”

Shaquille Alexander: Certified Public Accountant,

“Interacting with others can be complicated- add diversity and you’re multiplying the challenge. But when you’re trying to expand equity, you understand that if you can get everyone at the table practicing compassion equity, you can make real change. I feel successful when someone in Whitehall is breathing a little easier because of the work I did in my seat as Treasurer.”

Shafi Ali: Owner Trucking and Transportation Company

“I believe that a Black experience—often traumatic and made more so by heinous historic and present-day crimes—provides a set of skills and tactics that can lead to victories in business. If you can survive your Black experience, you’ve learned so much that’s useful that cannot be taught or bought. I live life looking for connections and opportunities.”

Harrison Poku-Yeboah: First person of African descent to become a Legislative Advisor at the Columbus City Council.

“Have a strong network. I don’t only think about the social capital and connections leaders have, but the financial capital that could be behind those doors. As a leader, mentor or sponsor, a letter of recommendation, connection to another industry leader, and even a shout-out are some tangible ways to pay it forward. The best networks are diverse and include people from all walks of life with multifaceted life experiences and skills to bring to the table. Strong networks can also open access to a connection that could lead to elevation. “