On The Road With Brother William J

On the Road With Bro. William J. “TIP” Thomas

Founder and CEO of the T.I.P.P.E.R FOUNDATION

Throughout my Sigma journey, I have been blessed to meet so many remarkable brothers that have changed the world. There are those who have served in wars, served as college presidents, protected and guarded the president and vice president of the United States, fought for Civil Rights, and lead Fortune 100 Companies. However, one brother who has influenced both inside and outside of Phi Beta Sigma is Bro. William J. Thomas, known to most as “TIP”.

In the fall of 2006, Bro. William Powell called me to tell me that his beloved Gamma Chapter had crossed a young brother in a wheelchair. Bro. Powell said, “Bro. Christian, this young brother is going to be a force in our fraternity, mark my word.” So in essence, I actually knew a little about Bro. Thomas before I actually met him. The first time that I met Bro. Thomas in person was at the 2007 Zeta Sigma Chapter (Baltimore) Annual Crabfeast. After witnessing Bro. Thomas in action, interacting with brothers and assisting with the event, I went over to him, introduced myself, and told him that he was simply an inspiration to me and to others the way he has embraced his circumstances and made his “disability” - his ability. It amazes me to see this young brother in action, and his journey and purpose, started me on my process of evaluating what we take for granted on a daily basis.

Professionally, I analyze and follow national trends that affect African-American and Latino male student success in post-secondary education. I have met some of the most prominent scholars and thought leaders in this arena and I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to travel the continental United States where I meet young men of color in college who share with me their stories, trials, tribulations and all that goes with the daily pursuit of higher education. Stories of drug addiction, child abuse, child support, incarceration, homelessness, foster care, and lack of guidance and family support are reasons that I hear as primary obstacles that stand in the way of college completion. Hearing these stories while watching and mentoring a number of these young men, I decided to reach out to Bro. Thomas to see if he would

Bro. Thomas with his Line Brothers during their Probate Show shortly after becoming members.

Tip returns to Randallstown High School, the place where the biggest test in his testimony began, to speak to students about life after high school

be willing to assist me in my endeavors. Prior to that, I spoke to Bro. Darryl Richardson (Bro. Thomas’ Line Brother) who strongly encouraged me to engage Bro. Thomas in my dialogue. Bro. Richardson said, “Bro. Christian, he will help you, I know he will.”

I reached out to Bro. Thomas and I learned something new about him that of which I was not aware of. He informed me that he is the founder and CEO of the T.I.P.P.E.R Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists families who face traumatic events. Bro. Thomas is also a philanthropist, speaker, humanitarian, and advocate. Again, simply amazed at the work this brother is doing outside of his profession, where he is an electrical engineer with Northrup Grumman.

For the past nine years, I have presented at the annual Black, Brown and College Bound Conference (BBCB), hosted by Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. More than 1,000 educators, thought leaders, college presidents, politicians, and students convene to discuss issues that affect the post-secondary success of men of color. Originally, my thought was to have Bro. Thomas talk about being a person with a disability,

due to all of the amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its impact on educational institutions.

After a long and thoughtful discussion with Bro. Thomas we decided to submit a proposal to present at the 2015 BBCB Conference. Our session, “From Victim to Victor,” focused on Bro. Thomas’ story and how it has propelled him to be the outstanding brother and professional he is today.

His story is quite compelling. A star athlete at Randallstown High School (Baltimore), his dream was to follow in the footsteps of his father and attend and play football at Morgan State University. One week before his prom, and three weeks before his high school graduation, Bro. Thomas was attending a high school fundraising basketball game where he was shot in a drive-by shooting. Shot twice, he is paralyzed from the waist down. Three weeks after the shooting, Bro. Thomas graduated with his high school class. He said “nothing was going to stop me that day, no doctors, no nurses, nothing, I was determined, that I was going to graduate with my high school class.” And he did.

Our proposal was accepted and Bro. Thomas and I discussed our travel arrangements. He asked that I travel with him so that I can witness first hand his day-today journey and just some of the elements that he deals with. His independence and ability to see things before they happen is uncanny. He wants to be treated just like everyone else and wants nothing special, nothing at all.

We were invited by Dr. Ken Atwater, the president of Hillsborough Community College, to attend the president’s reception with special guest, Steve Harvey. Yes, the Steve Harvey. Bro. Thomas said to me, “Brother Christian, if you get me in front of Steve Harvey, I promise you; I will meet him and get a picture with him. Needless to say, Bro. Thomas did exactly what he told me he was going to do. The session was a tremendous success and his life story touched many who were in attensdance. I am still receiving calls and emails asking me how they may contact Bro. Thomas.

We all face obstacles and challenges every day, but when I see how Bro. Thomas faces his, and how his easygoing resolve, demeanor, and willingness to help anyone, while uplifting Black, and Brown, young brothers, it does my heart good that he and I stand on the same shield. I promise you, you will be hearing about Bro. William J. Thomas, III in the very near future….. Mark my word.

If you are interested in reaching Bro. Thomas, please visit his website at www.tipperfoundation.org.

Bro. Thomas shown here at the 2015 Black, Brown and College Bound Conference with Bro. Kevin Christian (left) and comedian, actor, and author Steve Harvey (right). Bro. Thomas, Bro. Darryl Richardson, and Bro. Maynard Minor

Bro. Kevin Christian