Eric L. Baker

Eric L. Baker is a determined and innovative professional. He is currently the general sales manager at Urban One Dallas and a veteran of the US Navy. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Texas and is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He’s driven to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Co-author, The Heart of a Black Man

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’ve always cheered for the underdog; I’m inspired by stories of redemption, and I admire people who overcame all odds to be the best. I see myself in that way; it keeps me inspired and focused on making a positive impact in the lives of others. I also have an uncanny ability to take negative situations and overcome challenges to fuel my ambition. Overcoming adversity ultimately helped me get where I am today. I’ve always been a fighter and a silent warrior. I’m battle proven and I thrive in highly competitive environments. I passionately believe very few people will outwork or outstrategize me.

I was a United States Navy sailor who was stationed on the USS COLE when it was attacked by terrorists in the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. The bombing killed 17 sailors and injured 39 others, and I was one of the lucky survivors. However, the physical injuries I sustained were nothing compared to the mental trauma I experienced in the aftermath of the attack. I struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hatred toward people of the Islamic Faith, but I eventually found a way to overcome it through therapy, prayer, meditation, community support, and fraternity.

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

There is power in positivity. No matter how bad things may seem, through faith and hope, you can overcome any struggle. Make it a priority to lead with love, and you will be amazed by the number of people you will touch, and to me, that’s living a worthwhile life.

If you were given the opportunity to speak from your heart before a worldwide audience of leaders, what would you say in regard to the plight of the Black man?

The heart of a Black man in America refers to the unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives of Black men in America. These experiences can be impacted by systemic racism and discrimination, which can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. This is particularly true for Black men suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as we are not only dealing with the trauma of the event that caused our condition but also the added stress of racism and discrimination.

Black men also face unique challenges in seeking treatment for PTSD, as we may be hesitant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. Additionally, we may not have access to culturally competent healthcare providers who understand the specific ways in which racism and discrimination can impact our mental health. In conclusion, it is important for society to acknowledge and address the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black men in America in order to better support our mental and emotional well-being.

What’s next for you?

I’m a passionate broadcast professional, sales leader, coach, investor, and businessman. My goal is to combine and leverage all of my talents to help others and to one day build a successful business.

How can readers connect with you? @ericbprez

Dr. Jonathan Haynes is a Gospel awardwinning recording artist, 3X international bestselling author, motivational speaker, serial entrepreneur, and so much more, and is commonly known as the “Songbird of the South.”