Delivering upon the message is critical to developing long-lasting relationships with major companies. Before you can deliver to a billion-dollar company you have to show that you can deliver to those closest to you. Never shying away from getting his hands dirty, Whitaker ‘walks the walk’. “I’ve always been a man of my word. I’m very loyal to my team. If I said I was going to do something, then I’m going to do it. Furthermore, I don’t just give directions – I lead by example.”
The example he sets is one he hopes his 3-year-old daughter will appreciate. Fatherhood has taught Whitaker to be patient and enjoy the moment. “Sometimes we work so hard that we don’t realize what’s going on, or what we’re a part of, until it’s too late,” says Whitaker. “Sometimes you’re so focused that you forget to appreciate the position you’re occupying, and the growth you’ve achieved. Journee changed all of that. Every year is precious and no day goes by that I don’t revel in the majesty that is my daughter, and the blessings that this life has given me.”
With his daughter’s eyes fixated on his every move, Whitaker understands that he is molding her to become a phenomenal woman. “My daughter will understand that nothing is impossible,” Whitaker tells BE Modern Man. “Even now, she is forbidden from using the words ‘can’t’ or ‘quit.’ Her life will be driven by recognizing that hard work, dedication, and humility will yield infinite successes.”
Whitaker is deeply entrenched in the media landscape and has a bird’s-eye-view of disparities related to the amount of attention the media gives to the efforts African American men in entertainment make, particularly their part in helping to improve their communities. “Whether it’s this year’s 10th anniversary of LudaDay, in which Chris hosts a weekend of charity events, panels, and community outreach, or Carmelo marching the streets of Baltimore in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement – there’s isn’t enough light given to the roles these men of color play in their larger black American communities.”
Of particular importance to his clients is the popularity contest of major awards shows, such as the Oscars and Grammys. “These shows continue to ignore the great work of individuals of color, and their works and contributions to popular culture,” says Whitaker. “The 2015 award season alone was enough to abandon the ship entirely until some type of change is made.”
A man true to his word, Whitaker is building a business off of hard-work that he hopes will leave a favorable impression on the next generation. “I wasn’t trained to do this, nor did I expect to be here. I was an average kid born in Brooklyn and raised in North Carolina, who went into college thinking life would lead me somewhere else – but took advantage of the opportunities that came my way and ran through open doors when the time was right.”
Running through those doors Whitaker hasn’t looked back. Still, he understands that this isn’t a race; it’s a marathon. “Embrace the hard times because they are only going to make you stronger, but enjoy the good times because that’s what makes it all worth it.”
The Black Enterprise team salutes Fred Whitaker for his accomplishments in the entertainment industry. Be sure to see the latest from Fred Whitaker by following on Twitter.
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