Rooted in faith. Built on mentorship. Dedicated to community.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, I learned early the power of faith, family, and community. After my father's passing in 1967, my mother, four older sisters, and younger brother held our family together in the Morgan Park neighborhood.

Mount Calvary Church became our foundation — a place where male mentors poured into my life, teaching me values, responsibility, and the belief that God has a plan for each of us. Their guidance gave me a moral compass and a sense of purpose that has carried me ever since.

From middle school through high school, mentors shaped every step of my journey — academically, athletically, and spiritually. Coach Barry at Gresham Elementary recognized potential I didn't yet see in myself. Later, at Morgan Park High School, Coach Warden encouraged me to pursue basketball — a path that changed the direction of my life.

Each mentor — teacher, coach, or community leader — helped me grow not just as an athlete, but as a young man learning how to lead, serve, and persevere. Their investment led to championships, All-American honors, and scholarship offers from across the country. But more than that, it gave me a vision for what's possible when a young person has support, structure, and belief behind them.