The Stories of Team Gilbert: Black History Month

What's something about Black culture that brings you joy?

"The concept of family and connectedness. I come from a large family in Georgia, where Sunday dinners were a must! All of my best friends as a child were my cousins, and my aunts acted as second mothers. That sense of community helped shape who I am today and helped to influence my desire for public service."

What do you enjoy most about serving the Gilbert community?

"As a proud resident of Gilbert, I find serving my community incredibly fulfilling. I've raised my family here, and it is so rewarding to know that my family is among the hundreds of thousands of Gilbert residents who benefit from my efforts."

What does Black History Month mean to you today?

"Black History Month has always been an opportunity for me to not only reflect on the journey of Black Americans in this country, but also my own journey as a Black American. My experience as both an American and a Black man has given me unique perspectives that continue to guide my life."

Tell us about a time when you felt connected to your heritage.

"I felt most connected to my heritage when I visited my mother's home village in Sierra Leone in 2022. I had been there as a child, but it didn't truly connect with me until I went as an adult. Being in the place where my mother grew up made my roots feel real. Seeing the way people lived-more community-focused, grounded in family, and rich in tradition-gave me a deeper appreciation for where I come from. That experience helped me better understand the values and strength that have been passed down through my family and continue to shape who I am today."

What do you enjoy most about serving the Gilbert community?

"What I enjoy most about serving the Gilbert community is interacting with people and being there for them on their worst days. In moments of stress or uncertainty, being able to show up, listen, and help in any way I can is what makes the job meaningful to me. Knowing I can provide reassurance and support when it matters most is something I take a lot of pride in."

What's a value or lesson you learned growing up that still guides you?

"There were nine of us in the one house. Learning how to cook and make meals out of little food was a lesson I learned very early. I still enjoy making dinner and my family is always surprised by what I am able to put together."

Is there a song, artist, movie, or book that resonates with you?

"Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday' (1980) was a powerful anthem written to champion the creation of a U.S. national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It became a rallying cry for the 15-year campaign led by Wonder and others to honor King's legacy, culminating in President Reagan signing the holiday into law in 1983."

Who's the best cook in your family and what do they make?

"My older sister is the best cook in our family! She can make anything delicious. I am a fan of everything she cooks: chocolate chip cookies, pound cake, or my favorite, egg salad."

What do you enjoy most about serving the Gilbert community?

"I enjoy working in the Gilbert community because they are always looking to improve in areas that are not being discussed, such as the Juneteenth event at the Southeast Regional Library. It has a meaningful impact because it creates an inclusive, educational space where the community can come together to acknowledge an important moment in American history, the end of slavery in the United States.

By hosting this annual event, the library helps raise awareness about the significance of Juneteenth, especially for those who may not have learned about it in school, and encourages thoughtful conversations around freedom, resilience, and progress.

The event also strengthens community connection. Through cultural activities, storytelling, music, and educational resources, it celebrates Black culture and history while welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. This helps foster understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging, reinforcing the library's role as a trusted community hub that supports learning, inclusion, and shared civic pride."

How has your background influenced who you are today?

"Growing up in church, I learned a lot about respect, love and kindness."

What's something your family taught you that you still carry with you?

"Treat everyone with the same respect you would want to receive."

What message would you share with younger generations?

"Sky's the limit. Enjoy life to the MAX! And follow your dreams."

What's a value or lesson you learned growing up that still guides you?

"I was taught to be selfless. Being the oldest of four siblings during the 'Latchkey Kid' era, I learned early on how important it is to take care of your loved ones. I try my best to make sure anyone I'm helping is taken care of and has whatever they need."

What does Black History Month mean to you today?

"People are always surprised when I tell them I do not celebrate Black History Month. I tell people Black history is American history (Morgan Freeman said it first, LOL). I understand the sentiment behind it, but I think you cannot put a time frame on when we should celebrate it. I think about and am proud of our history every day."

What's something about you that people might be surprised to learn?

"I was a competitive skateboarder, BMX racer, and mountain bike racer in my youth. I still skateboard today, although my wheels stay on the ground now, LOL."

Tell us about a moment when you felt connected to your heritage.

"A moment when I felt deeply connected to my heritage was walking across the stage to receive my Doctoral degree. In that moment, I was fully aware that I was part of a small percentage of Americans who earn a doctoral degree, less than two percent of the U.S. population, and an even smaller percentage within the African American community. That awareness carried weight, pride, and responsibility all at once.

I was not just walking for myself. I was walking for my ancestors who were denied education, for family members who worked tirelessly without access to opportunity, and for the children watching who needed to see what was possible. I felt their presence with me through every sacrifice, every prayer, and every lesson that pushed me forward."

What's something your family taught you that you still carry with you?

"Some of the most important lessons my family taught me, and one I still carry with me today, is to place God at the center of everything I do, to be appreciative and approach life with determination, hard work, humility, and a genuine sense of joy and fulfillment.

Those lessons guide how I strive to be a good husband, a present and intentional father, and a faithful leader within my church. I was taught that leadership begins at home and is demonstrated through service, consistency, and love. These values continue to shape how I support my family, serve my faith community, and lead others with integrity.

Always remember 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters' (Colossians 3:23).

Another guiding reminder comes from Scripture: 'What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God' (Micah 6:8)."

What does Black History Month mean to you today?

"Black history, to me, is about understanding our shared past in order to build a more connected and inclusive future. Rather than focusing on division, it highlights the importance of unity, empathy, and collaboration across communities.

Attending the Anytown USA Diversity and Inclusion Camp during my high school and college years as a delegate, counselor, and advisor helped shape this perspective. The program encouraged open dialogue, mutual understanding, and leadership rooted in respect. It taught me that meaningful change happens when people listen to one another, acknowledge different experiences, and work together toward common goals.

My commitment to these values has continued through my involvement in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and my journey as a Freemason. Both organizations emphasize brotherhood, service, education, and leadership, reinforcing my belief that progress is achieved through collective effort and purposeful action. Together, these experiences connect my past to my present and guide how I move forward. In living out these values, I strive each day to honor those who came before me.

I AM MY ANCESTORS' WILDEST DREAM."

What's something about Black culture that brings you joy?

"I love that we are trendsetters."

What's a value or lesson you learned growing up that still guides you?

"Everyone isn't going to look at you the same."

Who is someone in your life who's had a lasting impact on you?

"My grandmother."