Name: Kendal “Mr. Public Safety” Wade
Age: 27
Profession: Public servant
One Word That Describes You: Determined
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
First, I must say that it is an honor to be recognized by a Black Enterprise. Moreover, it is a humbling acknowledgement of the work that we have done thus far in our particular fields, and a gentle reminder that we still have much more work to do.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
I believe the first objective in any situation is to liberate our minds and change our thought process when confronted with tribulations. I never really look at things as being a problem, rather, I look at things as being an opportunity to ascertain a resolution. That is why I always try to remember that as human beings, if we have what it takes to put a man on the moon, to create an aircraft that can fly without falling, or a ship that can sail without sinking, we have what it takes to fix some of the basic issues in our society.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Transparency, because transparency translates into honesty. Despite whatever a persons situation may be or issues they may face, if they aren’t honest and transparent with the people they are around or even themselves, progress can be difficult to obtain.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
My very first priority is the safety and security of our community. I believe those things can be achieved through proactive and progressive prevention. Though there are many different issues that our community faces, there are four in particular that I focus on. Fighting to end poverty, providing more assistance for our senior citizens, safeguarding our children, and (the closest to my heart) combating domestic violence and violence against women.
What is the best advice you ever revived?
It is important for you to live a good and righteous life, because sometimes the only Bible some people may ever read, is the life that you live.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Be the change you want to see in the world, and always keep in mind the needs of others.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
Preparation for a meeting is about strategy. In strategy, there are two very important objectives; first, I seek to understand, then I seek to be understood.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
As a newlywed, my best vacation was taking my wife on a cruise, while we were visiting my in-laws in California.
When I’m unwinding, I prefer and enjoy watching political shows, my favorite being The West Wing. I also enjoy cooking for family and friends.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
To be honest, anywhere where they have really good, home cooked ethnic food.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I consider myself to be a student of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What he said in his 1968 “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” speech, the last speech he would deliver, was profound.
“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”
Like him, my life is dedicated to serving others and I just want to help humanity.
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