BE Modern Man is an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. With features of today’s leaders, executives, creatives, students, politicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, and agents of change—these men share the common thread of creating a new normal while setting the bar in tech, art, philanthropy, business, and beyond. The BE Modern Man is making a positive impact, his way, and has a story to tell.
BE MODERN MAN Darryl J. Mack, Sr.
Name: Darryl J. Mack, Sr.
Age: 50
Profession:Assistant Principal, Riverside High School, Yonkers, NY
One Word that Describes you: Passionate
Social Media handles: Twitter: @mackmiggs
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
Receiving this distinction and being recognized from Black Enterprise is a true honor and privilege. It recognizes the work that I have accomplished thus far especially in my community as well as my continued commitment to serving and being an ambassador, and role model to young men of color.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
I struggled academically throughout high school. However being on the football team served as an outlet for me and I was able to turn the challenges I faced academically and use them as a catalyst to persevere on and off the field. I continued to stay focused and I obtained a full athletic scholarship to the University of New Haven. I continued on with my studies to receive two post graduate degrees.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
An important quality I look for in my relationships with others are people who are honest, trustworthy and genuine.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I am currently overseeing My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Future Leadership Academy which is a Program that addresses opportunity gaps faced by young men of color, to ensure all young men can reach their full potential. Through this initiative, the City of Yonkers, NY joins with other cities, towns, businesses & foundations across the country that are taking important steps to connect young men of color to mentoring, support networks and activities to provide skills these young men need to be effective leaders of the future.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
My mentor in high school instilled these words in me which I now keep as my mantra: “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish”.
What advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Dive in at get involved. Find your niche and purpose in life and use that platform to make a difference in someone’s life and in your community.
liWhat is your “Extraordinary Impact”?
My extraordinary impact is working with High School students who are informally classified as “at risk” students. These students exhibit poor attendance, they are underperforming academically and/or have behavioral issues. For over 25 years I have worked with “at risk” students by helping them build self-confidence and improve in the areas in which they are underperforming, so they can realize their full potential and embrace their purpose in life.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the 2nd Annual Black Men XCEL, Aug. 29–Sept. 2, 2018, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.