Dr. Latame Phillips

Co-author, The Heart of a Black Man

Give the title of your chapter and a brief synopsis.

“Beaten Back to Life” - Can you recover when you are constantly physically and mentally abused by a grown man as a young boy?

As a Black man who has had lots of good experiences, as well as bad, or has overcome life challenges, what keeps you motivated to keep going?

I press on because I am the change that I want to see. I know that one man can change the world, one person at a time. quote, or solutions would you offer or say in regard to the plight of the Black man?

Latame Phillips was born in San Diego, CA, and received a BA degree from University of Southern California in business management. Latame worked in the corporate arena and left to fulfill his purpose by starting a nonprofit to feed children in underserved communities. Hunger Busters now feeds 350,000 elementary school students annually. Latame earned a Ph.D. in business entrepreneurship and business administration.

Briefly, share one of the most significant experiences you’ve had as a Black man that impacted your life and why.

I became a single father of 5 children all under the age 10; I knew that I had to elevate my mindset and performance as a man and father. I knew that if I was not a role model to my children, someone else could step in and be a negative influence on them.

What encouraging words do you have for the younger generation of Black men?

Don’t let today’s circumstances determine your tomorrow. You cannot move forward looking behind you or stressing about what you don’t have.

Our blood, sweat, and prayers are the true foundation of this country. We have been bent, but we are not broken. We will never quit and will fight to be recognized as intelligent human beings.

What’s next for you?

I am in the midst of raising capital to purchase a charter school that has shut down. I plan to reopen this facility and turn it into a “nonprofit mall.” We would bring organizations that serve the community in areas like clothes, utility and rent assistance, healthcare, mental health, domestic abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, academic tutoring, and unity using Umoja principles. Organizations would thrive knowing that utilities, rent, grant writers, accounting services, and other costs were shared equally. Furthermore, the community would benefit from having one place to go to and receive all the services that they needed. We have a “rebirth” program in which we will take a person from unemployment to business owner or homeless to homeowner in just nine months. This is the type of financial empowerment marginalized communities need so that these issues are not the focal point as the next generation of leaders take over.

How can readers connect with you?

Latame Phillips, Ph.D.