Watch Me RISE

Growing up in North Omaha was a struggle and challenge.

Some people would say at the time my vision of the word "rise" was to hopefully wake up every day with a hot meal on the table, to not get hit by a stray bullet overnight from the shoot‑outs the night before because all my mom could afford was section 8 housing. That is what "rise" meant to me; being the toughest kid in my neighborhood to keep from getting bullied, having to navigate through life believing I would never achieve anything in life. Now that's rough—or maybe some people would consider that tough.

Being black in a corrupted world where most times you were misjudged because of the color of your skin, when in reality, all I ever wanted to do is win. Taking loss after loss defeats a person mentally over time.

Twenty‑nine years later I was introduced to a program called RISE—a reentry program designed to give a second chance to those who thought they were beyond help. It taught me what it takes to create a successful business.

These people took a chance on a once‑poor kid who never even thought of owning my own business someday and being somebody in this world other than representing a gang that didn't have my best interest at heart.

Now I represent hope and change.

I will RISE to be a good father, I will RISE to be a success in the business world. I will RISE to give my time when I'm freed and while I'm still here to this great program and whatever they need from me. I will RISE to be the best version of myself. If you want people to follow you, you have to be real with yourself. I will RISE and make sure this generation doesn't make the same mistakes. I am no longer lost or confused. I will RISE and be sure of my future and goals I will accomplish and the many lives I will better along the way.

So watch me RISE.