Name: Roosevelt Mitchell III, M.Ed.
Age: 34
Profession: Educator, Host of Your Black World News, Scholar
One Word That Describes You: Blessed
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
I am truly honored and deeply humbled to be chosen as a BEMM 100 Men of Distinction
. Any award or recognition that I receive, I cannot take any credit for; I give all glory to God, as I am merely a servant who is trying to fulfill his calling.What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
I was born and raised in poverty by a single father of five, who was without a high school diploma. We struggled mightily my entire life. I became homeless
as a seventeen year-old, and was close to giving up and dropping out of high school. Fast forward seventeen years later, and I’m an author of four books, a national speaker, an award-winning educator, a news host, and a BEMM. That struggle laid the foundation of my success because it taught me if I made it through that, then I was put on this Earth to do great things. So, once I deepened my faith and began pursuing purpose, my life hasn’t been the same.What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Consistency; I love people who do what they say they are going to do.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I am currently working on several projects; a film, titled Raising a Black Scholar, which is a blueprint as to how everyone can raise scholars even with a sub-par educational system. Also, my team and I are finishing a cartoon for my children’s book series, titled Kayden is Different. I’ll be on a disability awareness speaking tour for the entire month of October, advocating for those with disabilities.
What is the best advice you ever received?
You don’t have to be great in order to start, but you have to start in order to be great.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Just get started! It doesn’t matter how small the job or gesture may be, the most important part is getting started. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do in the beginning, because once you become engaged your vision will become clear.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
When I’m a giving a keynote speech, I typically spend a lot of time researching and writing the speech. Then I spend hours studying my notes and visualizing giving the speech.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
I unwind on vacation by enjoying the company, change of scenery, the exploration, and trying new things. My best vacation was a trip to Jamaica that was eye-opening. The resort was great, but when we left the resort and spoke with Jamaicans who didn’t work on the resort, they were all entrepreneurs. [Being] surrounded by 10 entrepreneurs trying to sell you a product that they made themselves was actually inspiring to me.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I have heard a lot of amazing things about South Africa, so I would definitely love to go and see it for myself.
Anything else you’d like to say?
My favorite book says, “That the greatest among you will be your servant.” Therefore, we all can be great, as long as we’re willing to serve.
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