Name: Alfonso L. Campbell III
Age: 28
Profession: Children, Youth and Young Adult Minister
One Word That Describes You: Non-Conformist
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
I consider this an extreme honor and blessing to be among the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction. Additionally, it is a moment that motivates me even more to answer God’s call to do great things to help bring change to our world.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
In 2014, the death of my grandmother “Mama Lucy” and my Uncle Rich had a profound impact upon my life. Both were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other; she was 92 and he was 52. However, what deeply resonated in me the most was that both were given medical reports, that there time on earth was limited. Months to live was the given time expectation. Both eventually did pass and within six months of each other, albeit in the Creator’s time, and not the doctors. But it was in that period of loss that I became keenly aware that we all have limited time on our earthly clocks. And, I knew the greatest way I could ever repay them was to live my life squeezing out every bit of potential that is bottled inside of me. Time was not to be wasted on mediocrity and living just to get by, but to live life as if every day is not promised!
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Honestly, I love being around people who obsess over greatness. Few things compare to witnessing those who I love the most pursue and accomplish their deepest passions and the things that make them come alive. This for me was the beauty of attending Howard University; I was constantly in the company of persons who looked just like me and had an insatiable desire to chase after excellence.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
Right now, I am in the midst of launching a series of millennial conversations that deal with the intersection of taboo topics and our faith journeys entitled “& Religion.” Furthermore, I am working on creating a mentorship initiative that helps expose our young people to their dreams and planning a community back-to-school drive.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Life is a journey, not a destination.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
The greatest difference you can make as a man is to live in your difference. I believe too often we want to divorce from our unique differences. When in reality, it’s our differences that this world needs the most. Embrace and value the authentic you.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
Learn everything I need to for the meeting/event, pray and then leave it in God’s hands.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
Unwinding for me is simply being able to participate in activities that help me decompress and remind me little of the workplace. My best vacation was a college graduation present: a cruise to the Bahamas. I was nervous at first, being way out on the water. But I had such an awesome time as I found a group of friends on the cruise that I bonded with and they made the trip unforgettable. Also, the unlimited meals was nice as well!
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I definitely want to spend some time in any part of Africa honestly. I think it is important for me to step foot on the land and reflect on what my people have been through.
Anything else you’d like to say?
In a world that devalues black men it is good to see outlets that not only celebrate black men but seek to uplift the diversity among us. Modern Man, through its visibility, pushes us to rid of the mainstream monolithic image that can often be associated with being a black male in America and that alone is noteworthy. Thank you
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