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As President and CEO of the Ohio Black Expo, Sherri Hamilton brings a fascinating blend of technical expertise and community vision that's reshaping how we think about empowerment. Want to experience the Ohio Black Expo's impact firsthand? Join thousands at the Riverfront Culture Fest on May 24-25, featuring everything from health screenings and youth activities to cultural performances and business showcases. Visit OhioBlackExpo.com to learn more about getting involved.

From her early days taking apart electronics as a curious child to her groundbreaking work as a programmer analyst in the Air Force during Desert Storm, Sherri's journey reveals how STEM skills can become powerful tools for community transformation. Enjoy this powerful episode.

The conversation takes us through Sherri's upbringing in Columbus during the 70s and 80s, where a strong "village" of family, church, and community members shaped her values. She candidly shares what it was like being often the only Black woman in technological spaces, and how that experience drives her passion for creating pathways for the next generation through initiatives like youth STEM programs and partnerships with COSI.

What's truly inspiring is how Sherri approaches community building - rejecting competition in favor of collaboration, focusing on amplifying rather than overshadowing others' work. Under her leadership, the Ohio Black Expo has become far more than an annual event; it's a comprehensive platform addressing critical challenges facing Black businesses and providing youth with transformative opportunities.

The wisdom Sherri shares about legacy-building resonates deeply: "When I think about legacy, I think about my parents. Is what I'm doing making them proud? Is what I'm doing walking in God's will? Am I doing things that help people or am I doing things that hurt people?" Her powerful mantra - "The best way to predict your future is to create it" - serves as both challenge and inspiration.

Want to experience the Ohio Black Expo's impact firsthand? Join thousands at the Riverfront Culture Fest on May 24-25, featuring everything from health screenings and youth activities to cultural performances and business showcases. Visit OhioBlackExpo.com to learn more about getting involved.

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Commissioner Kevin Boyce's remarkable journey from childhood tragedy to trailblazing public service offers a masterclass in resilience and purposeful living. When his father was murdered at age seven, Boyce found himself navigating life with a single mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet. What could have been a story of limitation instead became one of extraordinary possibility through what Boyce calls his "village" - recreation leaders who ensured he had lunch when food was scarce at home, teachers who advocated for him during troubled times, and coaches who nurtured his natural abilities.

The conversation reveals how Boyce's athletic background shaped his life philosophy: "It's not about how you start off in life, it's how you finish, and you can determine how you finish." This mindset carried him through becoming the first Black commissioner in Franklin County's history and co-founding Adelphi Bank - a modern iteration of a historic Black-owned financial institution that once catalyzed business development in Columbus's King Lincoln neighborhood.

Perhaps most compelling is Boyce's creation of RISE, an organization exclusively focused on addressing poverty and racism through innovative approaches. His story about a county employee who couldn't accept a promotion because it would cause her to lose childcare subsidies illuminates the complex barriers facing working families - and his determination to create real solutions. Through it all, faith remains his centering force, offering grace during struggles and guidance during successes. When asked about his legacy, Boyce looks not to professional accomplishments but to raising sons who embody compassion and service - a powerful reminder that our most meaningful impact often comes through the lives we touch most directly. Join us to discover how your own journey, regardless of its starting point, can become a legacy that transforms communities for generations to come.

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Chris Broussard's story is uniquely powerful and he is transparent about the spiritual journey that transformed his life. Despite achieving what many would consider the American Dream—promising career, loving relationship, financial security—he describes feeling an emptiness that only surrendering to faith could fill. On his 21st birthday, this decision became the foundation upon which he's built everything since, guiding his priorities: God, family, and career.

Chris Broussard's remarkable journey from sports-loving kid to nationally recognized analyst offers a masterclass in building a life of purpose and impact. The accomplished Fox Sports personality opens up about finding his path by combining what he enjoyed (sports) with what he was gifted at (writing), eventually landing an internship that launched his career at major outlets including ESPN and Fox Sports.

As one of the first African-American sports analysts at ESPN, Broussard recognizes how representation matters. "You can't be what you can't see," notes host Tim Brown, underscoring how Broussard's visibility paved the way for others. This commitment to lifting others extends through his King Movement, an organization spanning 20 cities that fosters brotherhood among Christian men.

Perhaps most compelling is Broussard's wisdom about balancing ambition with family life. Throughout his demanding NBA coverage years, he made strategic career shifts to remain present for his twin daughters. His parting advice resonates deeply: the choices we make during the crucial decade from junior high through college largely determine our next 50-60 years. "Your younger self has to protect your older self"—words well worth carrying forward.

Don't miss Chris speaking live in Columbus on April 26th and Cleveland shortly after. Subscribe now for more conversations building lifelong legacy through faith, family, and purposeful work.

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Judge Guy Reece's remarkable journey from a Mississippi sharecropper's son to a decorated military officer and groundbreaking African-American judge captivates with its powerful message of perseverance and purpose.

Growing up in the segregated South before his family relocated to St. Louis, Reece's childhood foundation of hard work and determination became the bedrock of his future success. When drafted during the Vietnam War, rather than simply accepting his assigned position, he excelled at testing and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant, eventually being awarded a Bronze Star for his service.

The path to becoming a judge wasn't straightforward. Beginning with culinary aspirations that went unfulfilled, Reece's life took unexpected turns through military service, where he discovered his interest in law while serving as trial counsel despite having no formal legal training. After thirteen years of active duty, he pursued his law degree at Ohio State University, maintaining his military connections through the Army Reserves, where he eventually achieved the rank of Colonel.

Making history as the first African-American elected to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Reece's judicial career spanned over twenty years. In a remarkable display of partnership, he later resigned his position to support his wife's groundbreaking corporate opportunity in Indonesia, demonstrating his belief that success is meant to be shared.

Today, Judge Reece continues mentoring law students and young attorneys, driven by his philosophy that "if you plant that seed, potentially it'll grow." His message to young people facing today's challenges resonates with simplicity and power: "Do your best. Nobody can take that from you." What seeds of excellence are you planting in your community that might grow into something extraordinary?

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https://www.youngmengrowing.org/event-details/black-male-teen-summit-2025

The Young Men Growing Mentor Program is hosting a leadership summit on April 19th at Cuyahoga Community College. Gary Hicks Sr. is transforming lives one young man at a time. As founder and CEO of Young Men Growing, his mission pulses with urgent purpose: to shift how young men see themselves from "just kids" to "growing men" with responsibilities and purpose.

What happens when a rebellious young man is given the tough love, guidance, and mentorship needed to transform his life? Gary Hicks, founder and CEO of Young Men Growing, takes us on his powerful journey from resistance to revelation.

Gary shares how being uprooted from Cleveland to Tennessee to live with his father changed the trajectory of his life. Though he fought against it initially—getting expelled from school and kicked off basketball teams—this foundation of hard work and accountability became the bedrock of his approach to mentoring young men today. "My father would hire me every morning and fire me at the end of the day," Gary recalls, a lesson in responsibility that shaped his character.

Basketball became Gary's lifeline, providing structure and opportunity when he needed it most. But the real transformation came during college when a simple question about God's existence led to a profound spiritual awakening that redefined his purpose. Today, Gary channels these experiences into Young Men Growing, focusing on five critical areas: leadership development, financial literacy, education, social-emotional learning, and community engagement.

The conversation delves into one of Gary's most powerful principles: "Maturity does not begin with age, but with the acceptance of responsibility." Through this lens, he guides young men to embrace their circumstances and take ownership of their lives, regardless of their youth. His approach addresses modern challenges like technology dependence and the struggle with stillness, while emphasizing the critical role of male leadership in families and communities.

Most moving is Gary's reflection on his personal legacy—loving God and family above all else. "I care to see a young man smile, I care to see a woman who, when they have a good man, they smile and carry themselves different," he shares, revealing how true mentorship creates ripple effects across generations.

Want to support this important work? Join the Young Men Growing connect at youngmengrowing.org to learn how you can help build the next generation of leaders.

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What happens when your legacy ends with you? Pastor Charlie Davis believes that true legacy should live on after we're gone, passed to future generations rather than dying with its creator. In this deeply moving conversation, he shares profound insights from over three decades in ministry about building something that outlasts yourself. Pastor Davis new book "Hidden Blessings: Finding Your Passion After Experiencing Pain" is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Growing up on Columbus's east side, Davis was shaped by a neighborhood where responsibility was shared and every adult could correct any child. With seven uncles and a father who was one of Columbus's first bishops, he witnessed authentic male leadership firsthand. These early experiences formed his understanding of accountability, strength, and provision that would later define his approach to ministry.

Davis doesn't shy away from his personal struggles. From surviving third-degree burns as a toddler to enduring six years of excruciating pain from a spinal condition, his testimony reveals how adversity became the soil for his greatest ministry opportunities. "God has gifted you an opportunity to do something for him today," he shares, "and we must steward it well." This perspective led him to co-chair the Ultimate Resource Network (TURN) and create Mannerism ministry, addressing the crisis of masculine identity.

Perhaps most compelling is Davis's passionate advocacy for "soul care" – a practice he believes is critically missing in today's leadership landscape. Through authentic accountability relationships and spiritual refreshment, he demonstrates how leaders can avoid the pitfalls that have damaged so many ministries and organizations.

Ready to build something that continues beyond your lifetime? Pastor Davis's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone seeking to leave a legacy that truly lives. His book "Hidden Blessings: Finding Your Passion After Experiencing Pain" is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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Dr. Alesia Gillison's powerful journey from track champion to educational leader demonstrates how authentic belief transforms lives and systems. Faith anchors Gillison's approach to both personal challenges and professional leadership. Her powerful statement – "You don't have to prove to me that you're worthy; you're worthy because God made you" – captures the unconditional belief that drives her work with students, especially those society has marginalized. As a former state record-holder who anchored relay teams at Dayton Dunbar High School, Dr. Gillison learned early that "no one can outwork me" – a philosophy that became foundational to her approach in education.

Her unconventional path included a broadcasting career as "the mixtress of melody" at WDAO before a substitute teaching assignment revealed her gift for connecting with students. Using her radio personality to motivate middle schoolers, she caught the attention of a principal who promised to hire her if she earned her teaching license. That pivotal moment redirected her life toward educational leadership that would impact thousands of students.

Throughout leadership positions at Columbus City Schools and now as Assistant Superintendent at Pickerington Local Schools, Gillison has consistently challenged the "belief gap" – the false assumption that urban students, English learners, or special education students cannot achieve at the same level as their suburban peers. At Pickerington, she's doubled diversity in College Credit Plus and Advanced Placement courses by removing barriers and actively inviting historically excluded students into rigorous academic opportunities. "If you believe in them, you're going to invite them in," she explains, demonstrating how intention creates access.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gillison orchestrated extraordinary community partnerships, securing laptops for students and establishing 122 learning sites through faith-based organizations where students could access Wi-Fi. This exemplifies her commitment to "braiding" support around students through interconnected home, school, and community relationships.

Listen to this inspiring conversation about representation, belief, and creating educational environments where all students recognize their inherent worth and potential. Subscribe now to hear more stories about building legacies that transform communities.

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Shawn Harper shares his journey from the south side of Columbus to seven seasons in the NFL carries powerful lessons about purpose, perseverance, and spiritual transformation. With remarkable vulnerability, he shares the exact moment his perspective shifted from external validation to internal purpose: "Sometimes, when we lack identity, we tend to want to develop an image. But God didn't call your image, God called your identity." What separates an image from an identity? Former NFL offensive lineman Shawn Harper reveals the transformative wisdom that changed his life after a devastating career injury threatened everything he'd built.

For young people especially, Shawn offers transformative advice about the relationship between present moments and future momentum: "Focus on the moment, and the moment will generate the momentum." This wisdom helps prevent the common regret of sacrificing meaningful present experiences while blindly pursuing future goals.

As owner of American Services and Protection since 2004 and an international motivational speaker, Shawn has mastered the art of turning adversity into opportunity. His refreshing take on failure—viewing it as "tuition" rather than defeat—challenges conventional thinking. "The greatest teacher is life, and sometimes your greatest friend is failure," he explains, noting that even the most successful entrepreneurs typically face multiple bankruptcies before achieving lasting success.

Shawn introduces listeners to the concept of being a "Winologist"—someone who studies the distinctive mindset and habits of winners. Winners, he explains, learn early to be comfortable standing apart from systems designed for conformity: "I am built to change the system. I'm not built for the system."

What legacy will you leave? Shawn answer is refreshingly simple yet profound: "Live, give, and forgive." Join us for this inspiring conversation that will challenge you to build a legacy that transcends your lifetime and impacts generations to come.

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