I am a born and bred African American Detroiter. I grew up in the Baptist church and currently consider myself an Evangelical, according to the non-political definition. I was educated in the Detroit Public School System from the first through the twelfth grades, graduating from Detroit Renaissance High School, the University of Michigan (BA Economics and Philosophy; MBA) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MDiv). I am a proud husband to Tonja and a father of two boys, Adam and Stephen, and we have a dog and a cat… I enjoy sports, my favorites being the NFL and the NBA (GO PISTONS!), but my all-time favorite team is the University of Michigan Football Wolverines.
I also enjoy observing and thinking about culture in the light of the theological commitments of historic Biblical Christianity. I wish I enjoyed reading as much as I enjoy books. My Strengthfinder themes (they are only strengths if productively applied) are in this order: Woo (winning others over), Strategic, Includer, Restorative and Positivity. They are okay for a Financial Analyst (which I have been), pretty good for a Management Consultant (which I also have been), but I think they are made for the ministry (in which I currently, blessedly, find myself).
I love music, including techno, straight ahead jazz, jazz fusion, classical, rock, 80’s “new” music and Christian rap, among other types that don’t include country. I am cynical about (ALL) politicians but not ideals. I feel comfortable with uncertainty. I View All Formatting Marks in Microsoft Word. I think a person can learn from anyone. I believe Jesus Christ came to create one church that would overcome racial division and any other kind of man-made division. I believe that so much so that I feel it is my calling to live out the obliteration of racial division in the Body of Christ, which I am trying to do on a day-by-day basis. I believe that God’s Word is supernatural. I like pizza. I think that I can find a reason to love (in an appropriate manner) anyone, a gift God has given me. I am not good with directions. I don’t think a lot about the weather. I am wondering if you will read my posts or just this entry about me. I would like you to read some posts now. Bye!
Joy on the Journey 
Am I the first to leave a comment? What an honor.
I am both proud and slightly befuddled. I only read the most recent entry and already you’ve given me a lot to think about. Contrary to what my foul mouth might have you believe, I do study the Bible and read Scripture daily. My biggest challenge at the moment is knowing God’s voice when I hear it. Maybe your blog will help me with that shortcoming.
I’m glad to have reconnected with you. My time at Michigan is not memorable for me but I did meet some really good people. Without my faith, I would’ve crashed and burned worse than I did. I, too, believe in the whole Bible. That’s how I made it through and away. God has given us all gifts and it’s up to us to realize and use them when he calls us to do so. Even though I bombed at Michigan, I continued my studies and work in a field where I actually make a difference in the lifes of others. Be blessed and thanks for reaching out…to keep in touch and to spread the Word!
What a great blog–your insights are both informative and inspirational. Thank you for articulating what is on your heart and mind.
Thanks Anne!