It’s time to take L.E.A.D. to another level. Tuesday night, I walked L.E.A.D. into a packed room of Atlanta’s distinguished. I, along with 19 other colleagues, were introduced as the 2010 Atlanta Business League Men of Influence.
The ABL was established in 1933 as an affiliate of the National Business League which was founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington.
Past Honorees include Hank Aaron, Ambassador Andrew Young, Maynard Jackson, Benjamin Elihah Mays and Nathaniel Bronner Sr. just to name a few. My 2010 class honored Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, President of Atlanta City Council Caesar Mitchell, Dennis Boyden of AT&T and my cousin Leon Goodrum who is the 1st black owner of a McDonald’s in Atlanta.
L.E.A.D. has mattered in the eyes of many for 3 years but we have now moved to another level. A new level of respect. Respect that was earned by the sacrifice of many who came before me and for those that fight with us to save the lives Atlanta’s precious assets, our youth.
As I stood at the podium last night and gave my name and said that “I am the proud founder and CEO of L.E.A.D., Inc. (Launch, Expose, Advise and Direct),” I officially put the city on notice that we are here and I need the support from my new colleagues who also represent the best of Atlanta.
With this newly earned respect comes many more responsibilities. Let’s go even higher.
