Constable Christopher L. Bates

Christopher L. Bates was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas. Bates graduated from Memorial High School in 2003 and went on to obtain his Law Enforcement Certification from Lamar Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree from Lamar University. In 2017, he received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Texas Southern University and is currently an Adjunct Instructor at Lamar Institute of Technology. Constable Bates was sworn in as Jefferson County Constable Precinct 2 in January 2013 at the age of 27, making him the youngest elected official in the history of Jefferson County and the second youngest Constable elected in State History. 

Bates has been blessed to receive several honors. To name a few, in 2017 Constable Bates was named “Constable of the Year” for the State of Texas by the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association. He was recognized by ExxonMobil as a “Living Legend” for their Annual Black History Event in 2017, and was honored by receiving the Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 award in 2015. Constable Bates was also named "Man of the Year" for the Southeast Texas MLK Support. Constable Bates is the current Minister of Music at New Pilgrim Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas, and is the current Sgt. At Arms for the Port Arthur NAACP. While staying involved with Lamar University, Constable Bates is a past President for the Lamar University Alumni Board. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated where he holds the position of Assistant Area 10 Director and a Master Mason of Lakeshore Lodge #256. He was most recently elected as 2nd Vice President of the Justice of the Peace and Constable Association of Texas. Constable Bates has hosted an Annual Christmas Toy Drive since 2015 benefiting the Salvation Army, and started the Constable Bates Junior Deputy Summer Camp for the youth of the community, free of charge. Constable Bates started a scholarship in 2015 for high school seniors going into the field of Criminal Justice. Since 2015, Bates has awarded over $15,000 in Scholarships. Constable Bates also volunteers as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer during the Holiday Season. 

Constable Bates is the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Cameryn and Casie and is married to the lovely Ariana Bates. 

BBP: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in public safety?

CB: The reason I'm in public safety may be different from others. I was in college at Lamar University and some friends of mine decided to take the Police Exam for the Port Arthur PD. I told them I would take the exam with them. I passed the exam and background investigation and was offered a job. I never grew up wanting to be in Law Enforcement but at the time I needed a job, since I was close to graduating with my bachelor's degree. I continued pursuing this Law Enforcement endeavor because I truly felt inside that I could do well in Law Enforcement. 

BBP: What has been your greatest challenge as a public servant and how do you work to combat that?

CB: The greatest challenge has been trying to get people to understand that all Law Enforcement Officers are not bad. Therefore, I often make public statements letting people know that if they are thinking about starting a career in Law Enforcement make sure you have a genuine heart to help people. If not, Law Enforcement may not be for you. I do a lot of community work with the youth and I also invite other Law Enforcement Agencies to positively interact with our young people.

BBP: How has Covid19 impacted your day-to-day activities and how are you adjusting to the new "normal"?

CB: When Covid 19 started, a lot of the civil paperwork we would receive slowed down because the courts were closed. We made sure to maximize our time and really serve the needs of the community during the early onset. Now, courts have opened up and the civil paperwork has started to pick back up a lot. So for the most part, we have adjusted well, by always making sure we are helping the people. 

BBP: What advice do you have for someone who may be considering a career in public safety?

CB: Again, if you are thinking about getting into Public Safety/Law Enforcement make sure you truly want to help people and have a genuine love for the community. If you are just doing it for the paycheck, then you should consider changing your career path.

BBP: You have been actively involved in your community.  Why do you think community service is so important?

CB: Community service is so important because people truly need help in their lives. Certain neighborhoods really need assistance and community service is something that we all can benefit from. It also gives you a humbling feeling just to keep doing more.

BBP: What is one thing you wished your community had?

CB: I wish the community had more things for our youth to do. I feel if we could give our young people more positive and good fun, then that will ultimately help keep some of them out of trouble. We also definitely need more mentoring for the youth.

BBP: To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why?

CB: My greatest accomplishment is being able to serve the people as their Constable. People ask me all the time, "Do you like your job?" My response is always, " No, I Love My Job!"

BBP: Would you change anything about your journey? Why or why not?

CB: I would not change anything because God has guided me and I have learned from my mistakes and made advancements in my career and life. "My Journey, Is My Journey!"

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life?

CB: Give God all the praise, honor, and glory for everything He has done! That is my personal philosophy on life because if I keep that notion in front of me, then everything else will be blessed! 

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

CB: "I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me!" I always say this to myself because sometimes things can get hard and the demands can be numerous, but I always know where I get my strength from; God, Family, Friends, and Community! 

Prentiss Fitzgerald Semien was born to Willie and Carol Semien on July 18th, 1980, in Beaumont, Texas. He is married to his beautiful wife, Azadeh Semien, and they have two children. Prentiss graduated from Southern University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinarian Medicine. He is a proud activist for African American rights and loves working with children. 

Currently, he has three businesses that he owns and operates: Cracklin Kings, Semien Sports, and Golden Triangle Top Gun. Prentiss also has a youth program, Street Smarts 4 Life, where he mentors teenagers and takes them through a six-week program that teaches life, social, and job skills. While working for BISD the last nine years, Prentiss started a business program that taught and helped students start and run their own business. One of his proudest things to do is working with his mentor, Oscar Williams, in his program called Pathway2College. 

This program has gotten over a hundred athletes’ scholarships in the last few years. 

Prentiss says if you are pursuing perfection then you are always working. Refinement is his favorite word and one of the three things that he prays for daily, with the other two being wisdom and understanding. He loves helping others and working with the youth. He takes pride in his strong will to do whatever brings him joy. He always gives anything he does his best, ask Christ for it, and accept the results. Prentiss credits great friends and family that have helped him along the way with their words both positive and negative to motivate him to continue in his path. He believes his life has been like a movie. How things has happened for him, why they happened, and the blessings that arose from it, only came from Christ!

BBP: Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

PS: Two people inspired me to become an entrepreneur, and both were very instrumental in shaping the person that I am today. My grandfather and my dad both worked for themselves. My grandfather, Willie Semien Sr., never worked for anyone and was one of the first Black Americans to ever receive an agricultural loan for his business in Louisiana. My father, Willie Semien Jr., had the longest running black business in Beaumont until the pandemic sent him into an overdue retirement. My dad worked in his Barber Shop for over 40 years. Relying on the public to come in to support our family taught me what it took to have my own business. I watched my dad treat everyone with respect, great customer service, demand respect in return, and help the surrounding community. Working for myself and taking care of my family without answering to anyone was something that I wanted to do. When my brother Marcus left his corporate job and started his own business, I knew I had no choice. I look up to my brother and he always gives me great advice when I need it. He has multiple businesses. Semien stables is one of them. I guess it is a family thing and just in the Semien blood. All three of my sisters have their own business as well. Carlos and Courtney have an embroidery business called Sorella Bella Embroidery, and Carmen has a Jazz club, restaurant, and a pediatric practice called, Great Beginnings. My brother Wyman recently started Big Game Sports. So, all six of us have our own business. My nephew Jalen Sigee Semien has his own business down by the river in Beaumont called Golden Triangle Watersports. So, if you want to rent a jet ski, call or message their page. Yes, I plugged them all because this is business, right?

BBP: What has been one of your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur and how are you working to combat that?

PS: Funding was the greatest challenge for me as well as any entrepreneur. Being patient with having the idea, making a business plan, the constant work ethic, and having great success on a small level eats away at your confidence. Funding takes away the length of time to reach your goal, and that is simply to be open for business. 

How did I combat that? The steps that I took had to be planned first. Secondly, accepting that now I had to wait. Lastly, I invested everything I made back into the business. In one of my businesses, Cracklin Kings in particular, I’ve gone from the backyard, to the side of the road under a tent, to tailrides, to the state fair and festivals, to a food truck, and now finally a restaurant. Yet, I still have one more level to go. Financing eliminates all those steps. The initial idea and goals have not changed from the start. Just the time it took to reach here is what sucks.

BBP: How has Covid19 impacted your business and how are you adjusting to the new "normal"?

PS: Covid has impacted the cost of all supplies, materials, and labor. The adjustment was simply being honest with my customers, telling them I had to raise prices because of the increase of cost at every level. Trust me, I hear it a lot, "$10 for this bag of Cracklins." It’s high, but it’s good, lol. Yes sir, it is the best I can do to remain open. 

BBP: What advice do you have for someone who are considering becoming an entrepreneur?

PS: I tell them to put that feeling they have deep down inside on the outside. Get off your lazy butt and do it. You’re scared of what people will think, you’re scared to fail, and you’re scared of the haters. Trash thinking leads to trash actions. 

In one of my youth programs, I help high school students start their own business. I have a saying that really hits home. Would your rather have a popping Instagram page with thousands of followers or pull out your wallet or purse and show me a debit card with your business name on it. If it is the latter, then lets gooooo!!!!!! 

What is the name of your business? Now, go to the courthouse and spend like $40 on a DBA. Then go on the IRS website and get your EIN, it is free. You may also need a state tax ID number, it is also free. Now, take those documents to the bank of your choice along with $50 so you can put $25 in the checking and $25 in the savings. Now, you have your own business. See how easy that was? You only invested about $140 in yourself and now you have your own business. In business, people will help you sometimes, but certainly they will not give you anything. Get off your lazy scared butt and get to work or grind mode as the adolescents put it. Google it, its right there at your fingertips. 

The last thing I want to tell someone who wants to start their own business is very important. There are three kinds of people around you. 

1. Dream Killers: They are not strong enough to step out on faith to bring to light what's inside of them. So, they hate that you’re strong and they try to kill your dream. They say you cannot do it. They will tell you about someone else who tried and failed, or you do not have the money.

2. Dream Stealers: They are the ones who hear your dream, hear your passion, and hear your information and then steal it because they are in a better financial position than you are. (Funding)

3. Dream Sharer: They are the ones that support you and give you encouragement. They will tell you I believe in you, you can do it, do not worry about the setbacks, I see what you’re doing, and I'm proud of you. 

You know these three types of people in your life right now. They all have one thing in common, they only know about your business dream from what comes out your mouth. Watch what you say and who you say it to except the dream sharers, because they have gotten you to the point of wanting to step out and start your business. 

BBP: You have been actively involved in your community.  Why do you think community service is so important?

PS: One person with a mindset change can have a trickle effect to 15 other people. Being an educator placed me directly next to the youth. Many people assume that this kid was taught by someone with values and morals, and they judge them accordingly. 

I would say in many cases a child that is on the path of destruction has not encountered moral education. They were not in the presence of someone that can show them or explain to them another path. Community service aids and strengthens the community address by address, block by block, and zip code by zip code. I feel there needs to be training on how to work in community service. It’s more than showing up and handing out supplies during a hurricane. I think that we need to start with the elderly because they have the most knowledge and the time on their hands. Genuine people willing to work together with a detailed plan can achieve greatness. Those individuals should be paid well for building an entire community. There are grant writers out there that can write a grant under a 501(c)3 to pay these hard-working people. It’s not an easy job, and it weighs on your spirit when you try and try and for some, they just can’t make the breakthrough due to lack of resources. We must work together. How hard is it to find grant writers? Why is it so hard? Community service is so important because our community is falling apart right before our eyes.

BBP: You've coached AAU teams. What advice do you have for parents who are considering enrolling their child in sports at a young age?

PS: 

1. Let your kid be a kid.

2. Do your research on the organization you are considering enrolling your child in.

3. What are they offering regarding building a young man or young lady through mentoring?

4. Is your kid learning anything or is their talent just shining through?

5. How many kids have gone to college from that program, academically and athletically?

6. Why is your child playing? Are they doing it for you or because they love the game?

7. Let your child rest and limit the games they play in the summer. No kid should play 50 games plus practice during the summer months after playing 4 months of school basketball with 30 more games.

8. Make sure your child is on track with their 16 core courses to qualify for college.

9. Make sure they take the PSAT, ACT, and SAT every time it rolls around.

10. Students must take the TASI test to go to any college in Texas.

11. AAU is for talented players, and it will cost you at least $1200 out of your pocket without a fundraiser.

12. If you are playing AAU, playing college ball should be on your mind because it is the best of the best that are playing. That is why 8,9, and 10 were listed.

BBP: To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why?

PS: That is a hard question to answer. My greatest accomplishment I would say is maintaining a direct relationship with Christ. From the age of 4 I knew Him and asked of Him. From that, my faith grew, and His blessings led to accomplishments that I have reached thus far. I live my life like the parable of the talents in the book of Matthew 25 verse 14-40. 

Whatever I want to do in my life, I ask Christ for it and then go for it and allow Him to make a way for it to happen. In exchange for his blessings, along the way I learned that He gives us a mission to fulfill to promote Him and help people learn about Him along the way. I have talents like the parable. I make music and beats; I had a couple of songs on the radio. I wanted to play professional basketball. I asked Him for it and got the opportunity to play overseas in Europe for 6 years. It was not the NBA, but I got paid to play the game I love. 

I asked Him to be a firefighter and I was a forest firefighter for three years, as well as a Hotshot for the Coronado Hotshots and Flagstaff Hotshots. There are roughly 30 hotshot crews in the United States. Hotshots are an elite firefighting team that goes to the major fires that you see on TV. It is in the top 10 most dangerous job in the world. Getting helicoptered to fires and living in the forest for three weeks at a time was challenging and an adrenaline rush that cannot be matched.

I wanted to start an AAU team and Dream Killers came running. I asked Christ for it and humbled myself. The first year I humbled myself and coached little dribblers with a suit and tie on the sideline. It took 3 years to build it up. For 5 years in a row my organization, Golden Triangle Top Gun, had at least 4 players play in the state championship game: for 5 years in a row from 4 different high schools with 2 state Championship winners. I asked Christ to get me out of the hot attics working for dish network when I came back from Europe. He blessed me with talking to Dr. Lula Henry at one of the programs I have for youth called, Street Smarts 4 Life. Dr. Henry and my mother tag teamed me and convinced me to become a schoolteacher. I’ve taught Pre-AP Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, and Integrated Physics and Chemistry for the last ten years. That has made a major change in my philosophic thinking. Sometimes we can be specific in our request but at times we must let God take some. I wanted to start a food business. I asked Christ for it, and He blessed me with Cracklin Kings, and now I have a restaurant in downtown Beaumont. There is more that I have done and am currently doing. 

I do not want to come across as bragging or whatever a dream killer or dream stealer may say. The dream sharers in my life know me and they know the ups and downs of reaching these wants. Maintaining a direct relationship with Christ gives you the opportunity to achieve whatever you desire. Faith without works is dead and the discipline to trust in Christ is my greatest accomplishment. Christ has given us all talents, are you going to double up or give your talents to someone else?

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life?

PS: Nobody on this earth loves you more than you do! Do what is in your heart and you will be happy. God gave us the earth to live on. There are two things stopping you from seeing all of it, you and a passport. Traveling to other countries will change you in a positive way and unlock senses and your way of thinking that are dormant. Lastly, it is easier to be your true self than anything else. 

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

PS: “What is an ant bed to a giant?” is my favorite motivational quote. Why? Because you must know and view yourself as a giant.  When problems, setbacks, and hate come, they all are summed up as mere ants to a giant. It may be a little pain by their bite, but you can crush them or avoid them all together. 

Taylor Lawrence Getwood was born on July 22, 2002, in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the great city of Port Arthur, Texas. He is the product of Lawrence and Connie Getwood (Grandparents), Sheril Baker-Garzon (Grandmother), Jerene Marshall-Getwood (Great-Grandmother), and so many others who were a part of his village. While growing up, Taylor was heavily involved in church where he would render praises to the Lord through song and dance at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Senior Pastor Donald Ray Frank. 

He was also heavily involved in school and his community. At the age of 17 years old, during the wake of George Floyd, Taylor led several successful peaceful protests and forums. He has also participated in several ivy league organizations throughout the City of Port Arthur and the State of Texas. Some of those organizations include Top Teens of America, The Port Arthur Kappa Guide-Right Chapter, The Martin Luther King Support Group, and the Martin Luther King Youth Organization. Throughout his tenure as a student in PAISD, Taylor assumed many leadership roles and has truly set the bar high. He has held student government offices from 5th-12th grade. Some of those positions are Student Council President, Superintended Advisory Board President, Principal’s Advisory Board President, and Men of Wilson President. Taylor was also a part of the historic class of 2020, which was the first graduating class for PAISD to graduate with their Associate’s degree and high school diploma from Woodrow Wilson Early College High School. Taylor participated in the Memorial High School Choir, Titan’s for Christ, Spanish Club, and The Memorial High School Theater Arts Program. Taylor also made history becoming the first student in PAISD history to advance to nationals in the State-wide Texas Thespian Convention. Taylor has also participated in many productions by the Memorial High School theater arts department. Many may remember his remarkable performance as the legendary Jimmy Early in the musical Dreamgirls. 

Taylor is currently furthering his education at TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY where he will obtain his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Political Science. It is no secret Taylor is a PROUD TIGER! He was elected prom king at the university's first collegiate prom. Taylor has taken TSU by storm with his admirable leadership skills, outgoing personality, and artistic talents. Not only has he taken TSU by storm, but he has also now taken the world by storm. At the age of 18 years old, Taylor Getwood became the youngest elected official in the city of Port Arthur, Texas when he was elected as a Trustee on the PAISD School Board. He has also joined the ranks of history makers as he became one of the youngest elected officials in the State of Texas, The United States of America, and the Natio

BBP: Who or what inspired you to start a career in local politics?

TG: Growing up as a child I was very blessed and fortunate to have had many local leaders in the village that raised me, needless to say, it runs in my blood. I like to also attribute my inspiration to the many life experiences that have occurred in my life over the past 18 years, and I know it doesn’t sound like a long time but trust me a lot can transpire in 18 years. The blessing from the highest God and the trainings that were bestowed upon me by my village, all allowed me to obtain and be prepared for the positions that I assumed both in school and the community, which ultimately played the biggest part in the start of my career. 

BBP: You recently made history as the youngest school board trustee in the PAISD's history? Describe what that accomplishment means to you and why it is important to the younger generation?

TG: It is nothing shy of an honor!!! Never in a million years did I ever think I would be on the PAISD school board this early, however, it was something that I felt needed to be done. During my tenure in PAISD as a student leader, I gained so much wisdom, knowledge, and love for my school district. We have so much talent here within our students and our district employees, and I was able to witness and work with it first-hand. It inspired me to want more, not only for myself but my community. With that being said, I can honestly say that so many students now feel that same way that I felt now that they see someone who is exactly like them or not too far from them on the school board. Lastly, I feel that it is important that we as young leaders of this community begin to assume these positions because we’re up next and we are going to need the experience to take it to the next level. 

BBP: What has been on your greatest challenges and how are you working to combat that? 

TG: Getting people out to vote!!!! One of the greatest challenges that any elected official in the city of Port Arthur could attest to is getting people to the polls. Moving forward, I believe the way to go about combating this issue would be to start educating our children early and remaining consistent with it. I like to say that I have been voting since the age of 5 because every time my grandpa and great-grandma voted, my brother and I were right there with them. Another way that we can help combat this issue is to come up with creative and fun ways to help get our people motivated again!!!

BBP: How did Covid19 impact your work in the community and how are you adjusting to the new "normal"? 

TG: “One monkey Don’t stop the show,” Terry Savoy-Hadley (Momma T) says. I would say that Covid-19 didn’t have too much of a negative impact on my work in the community, other than not having the ability to be in an in-person environment. I would also say that it was kind of a plus, because it forced us to become creative in all of our efforts, which in the end has pretty much worked out for the most part, and I’m sure we will still utilize some of what we learned during and from this pandemic.

BBP: Why do you think community service is so important?

TG: Community service for me is most definitely an obligation!!!! Of course, as a child working with my church and other community organizations, we participated in community service, however, it wasn’t until I was older that I realized why it was so important. In my opinion, it is my chance to tell and show my community so much love and appreciation for all of the support and investments they have placed in me, and also to be of great benefit to my city to better see how I can be of assistance to take our community to higher heights. Furthermore, it is always a beautiful feeling when you have helped someone who was in need and they are so appreciative for the work that you have done. 

BBP: To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been? Why?

TG: May 1, 2021, will forever be a historical day for myself, this city, the state, and the nation. It was on that day the Taylor Lawrence Getwood became the youngest elected official in the city of Port Arthur, and the day that he joined the ranks of other history makers around the world, becoming one of the youngest elected officials in the State of Texas and the United States of America.

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life?

TG: “ We are the authors of our own stories!!!” I always refer back to the phenomenal poem Invictus, which was written by William Ernest Henley. In the very last two lines in the last stanza, he says, “ I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul,” and that just speaks so many volumes to me, because despite that situation that you may find yourself in, both voluntarily or involuntarily you can still move forward and write a different chapter in the story of your life.

BBP: Imagine you are giving a speech to the class of 2022, what would be your message? Why?

TG: “ You are beyond amazing, but you must know and recognize your value, and never forget where you come from!!!” I had the extreme pleasure of having the opportunity to speak to the amazing class of 2021 at Memorial High School. As I explained to them, everything that they have been through throughout their educational tenure here in PAISD has helped shaped them to be prepared for the next level. I explained to them that we want you to go out and experience the world and to be great while you are out there, but to also come back to the city of Port Arthur and help inspire and pour into upcoming and future students. My dearest friend, which of whom I call G-Ma, taught me something that I will never forget. Hargie Faye Savoy once taught me that whenever you go somewhere, take someone with you!!! You’d be amazed at how much things can change when you have a team of like-minded minds, genuine hearts, and motivated individuals.

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

TG: Romans 8:31 – If God be for us, who can be against us? What God has planned for us and our lives will come and work for our good, despite what anyone has to say or think.

BBP: Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur? 

IM: My family, my surroundings, as well as the pandemic inspired me. I grew up on Magnolia Ave. in the north end of Beaumont. I always say it was a blessing because we got to see the reality of the contrast of good and bad decision making. There were hard working people around us that were trying to make a living for their families, but we also saw drug abuse, dealers, and other illegal activity going on. We got an upfront and personal view of how quick life could change if you make a bad decision. Watching my parents work hard to provide and do their best to make sure that we took the right road inspired me to do whatever it takes to make sure that I don’t fail my family. 

After the pandemic hit and watching my wife and many friends get laid off, it really pushed me to look past any doubts and fears I may have had about being an entrepreneur and just go for it. Being locked down most of 2020, my business partners (Christine Barnes and Tyron Cormier) and I were thinking of innovative ways to help bring people closer together safely and also bring something positive to our community. Thus, Spindletop Cruisers was born.  

I have made mistakes along the way, but my family always continue to motivate and inspire me to be very best I can be. 

BBP: What has been your greatest struggle as an entrepreneur, and how do you work to deal with it? 

IM: Our business has not been open long, but one struggle for me is balancing my time between all of my involvements and my family. I love my wife, Ebony, and our kids Akira, Arika, Akael and Akaelyn. I want and need to be present in their lives. Whether it’s the podcasts, Spindletop Cruisers, or visiting the restaurants, I try to bring them into my world, but I also try to go to their worlds. I spend time with them and not neglect my fatherly duties.

BBP: How has Covid-19 impacted your business, and how have you adjusted to the new "normal"? 

IM: It opened the door for a new opportunity. After Covid hit, my wife and a lot of my friends and family were laid off. We saw many companies and families struggle. Covid opened my eyes and I felt the need to control my own story and create something to pass on to my children. I began investing more. We opened Spindletop Cruisers, and began doing podcasts. One thing life has taught us is to make the best out of a bad situation.  

BBP: You started the network for Southeast Texas Black Owned Restaurants. What was your motivation behind that? 

IM: 8 out 10 black businesses fail within 18 months for a number of reasons, but one of the main reasons is they don’t receive enough support. With the rise of Covid-19, the number of failed businesses rose. My main motivation was that I did not want to see anyone else close their doors. One of my favorite places, Bettie Jeans, had closed its doors, and I really wanted to highlight some of the best spots and some of the different flavors we have to offer in this area. I felt that if I helped highlight some of these great restaurants, talk about their flavors, and put to rest some of the stereotypes that we associate with black-owned restaurants, that I could do my part to help. It became bigger than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful that the foodies and these restaurants have welcomed me into their community. We grew to almost 3k members within 6 months, just on word of mouth! 

We have been able to educate all people on not only black cooks, chefs, bakers, and caterers in the area, but also black food products being sold locally and nationally. I enjoy watching the group grow, and I am happy that a lot of people are benefiting from the group. In return, they are able to not just create great meals but also job opportunities in our community. I encourage everyone to join the group to support our local black owned restaurants.  It costs absolutely nothing to leave a good review or say a nice word about a place, but that support is major and helps a multitude of families.

BBP: What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their entrepreneurial journey? 

IM: Don’t wait. The time will never be “just right.” There are hundreds of great ideas out there, but you will never know how great it is if you don’t step out on a little faith. Be bold enough to take chances, humble enough to accept criticism, and wise enough to adjust when needed.  

BBP: Why do you think community service is so important? 

IM: At several points of my life, the community has served me. Whether it was a neighbor, the church, a friend, or family member, I needed help at some point and the community stepped in to fill a need. We all need help at some point. In some way or form, the community has helped to shape who we are and it’s our responsibility to ensure that we in return, shape those around us or those coming in behind us. It is also the gratification of the impact you make on someone with one small gesture. 

It’s the children’s joy when we volunteer at Sleep in Heavenly Peace and build beds for children that have been sleeping on the floor, the smiles from the dads and daughters when our group, MAN UP, put together a Daddy/Daughter Dance at the Event Center, or when I am mentoring the young people at the schools, there is nothing like helping people and being present in people’s lives.  Sometimes, people just need to know that a someone cares about them and loves them. 

BBP: To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been? Why? 

IM: Trophies, plaques, and medals are great to have, but my greatest accomplishment is hearing my father and mother say, “Son, I am proud of you,” or hearing my kids say, “Dad, you did good,” or hearing my wife say, “Babe, I appreciate you.” Those things mean the world to me. I grew up on Magnolia Ave., and I was surrounded by a lot of things that could have drawn me in the wrong direction. Becoming the man, the son, the father, and the husband I am today is the greatest thing I can do. Being a positive person in my family and community, although small, has a huge impact.

BBP:  What is your personal philosophy on life? 

IM: My father, Leo Mouton Sr., taught us to put God first, work hard, take care of family, and be disciplined in our decision making. My mother, Deborah Mouton, taught us to serve humbly and graciously, and no matter what we may go through, don’t lose our smiles or our joy. I use all those lessons as a foundation for me and remind myself to never stop learning from others.  

BBP: If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be, and why? 

IM: I would tell a younger me that some things that may seem important, have no importance at all. Stay focused on the bigger picture and your future. 

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why? 

IM: “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success”. -Arianna Huffington 

I love this quote because I have a huge fear of failure. This quote reminds me that it is okay to have downfalls. It’s okay to struggle at times because failing teaches you to learn, adjust, and grow. There’s not a billionaire out there that hasn’t failed at one point, but if they gave up in the middle of their failures, they wouldn’t be billionaires.

Stacey Lewis Jr. of Beaumont, Texas, is a local entrepreneur, US Army veteran and servant. Mr. Lewis is a graduate of West Brook Senior High School Class of 2009. During his time at West Brook, Stacey lettered in football, held an At-Large position in Student Council, was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes & Young Life, volunteered helping students with adaptive needs and was named to Who’s Who Among High School students. Mr. Lewis served four years in the United States Army. He was stationed in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ and received an honorable discharge in 2015. He was awarded the distinguished Humanitarian Service Medal, a rare award due to his tireless relief effort during Hurricane Sandy. 

Stacey Lewis Jr. furthered his education at the University of the Incarnate Word, where he received his degree in Business Administration and of Artistic Academy School of Hair Design, where he prepared to become a licensed cosmetologist. He operates his own barber grooming studio, tax service & bookkeeping firm. Stacey is the Precinct 63 Democratic Party Chairman. He is being considered for Beaumont Independent School District Board District 2 seat. Stacey has a relentless pursuit of elevating people in their goals especially the youth. Mr. Lewis worked previously in the district at Martin Luther King Jr Middle School and Martin Elementary where he served in capacities as a permanent substitute teacher and program coordinator respectively. He also became a district wide business partner and volunteer. Mr. Lewis’ history of working with the youth has started with working with the Exxon Mobil’s Green Team at the Sterling Pruitt Activity Center as a Summer Camp leader. Mr. Lewis is adamant about serving and giving back to the community with notable events such as: Gift 4 Grades adopt a street, Love Thy Neighbor: Orange Relief, Dad’s on Deck, Tropical Storm Imelda relief efforts, Autism Awareness Free Haircuts, PTSD Awareness Veteran Free Haircuts, IB Love Basketball sponsor, Hoops for Toys and many more.

Stacey’s motto is to leave it better than he found it and to make a better product, one must create a best environment for it to thrive in. It is within his desire to see others become the best version of themselves. He passionately serves at his church, Impact Ministries of Beaumont. He is also involved in other local organizations such as: Good Trouble PAK, Jefferson County Democratic Party Executive Committee, SETX Young Professionals, NAACP, Beaumont Branch, and the University of the Incarnate Word National Society of Leadership and Success.

BBP: Who or what inspired you to start your own business?

SLJ: My ancestry was my inspiration. When I looked into my history, I saw that my family started their own businesses and were craftsmen. Our lineage can be compared to an almanac. History repeats itself. 

BBP: Why do you think entrepreneurship is important to the Black community?

SLJ: Entrepreneurship is important because it creates roots in a community. Those who are able to have store fronts become pillars of the community and landmarks for the locals. Most importantly, it can inspire your neighbors and the youth. It creates a sense of pride! Every time you see what you created, you should smile and be amazed. Your neighbors should see what you created and brag about you. 

BBP: What had been the hardest challenge as an entrepreneur and how have you worked to combat that challenge?

SLJ: The hardest challenge has been the slow days; the days when you post information and no one likes, share or comment. The days that you have no business are hard. The best way to combat that is to remain consistent and have wise counsel who supports you. 

BBP: How has Covid19 affected your business and how have you adjusted?

SLJ: COVID brought the hair industry to a screeching halt at one point, but has made me tighten up my cleaning and sanitation protocols.  COVID also showed us not to take these days for granted. I service one client at a time by appointment only. I leave myself time to clean and sanitize before and after each client.

BBP: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own business?

SLJ: Put it to paper, find a mentor and live, sleep and breathe that business! You have to stay the course even when it seems like no one is watching or interested. Your breakthrough may not be instantaneous, but keep grinding at it. 

BBP: Why do you think community service is so important?

SLJ: It’s our social responsibility to give back. This is our community and we should be proud of it. Whatever can be done to show and give community support, we should do it. No one will go harder for your community than you. 

BBP: Who or what inspired you to run for the Beaumont ISD school board?

SLJ: My father and leaders of my childhood inspired me. I grew up in the Masonic Lodge, watching black men serve the community and I saw how powerful that was. Everyone had a role, even the kids. Now there is a disconnect between the district and community which must be revived for us to succeed. Now it is my turn to be a beacon of change and do all the fighting I can for every little boy and girl growing up in Beaumont. 

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life?

SLJ: I want to leave it better than I found it. 

BBP: If you could change anything in your community, what would it be and why?

SLJ: Unity and pride; it is not always about having the best but how you treat what you have. I wish for my community to stand United in all that we do from worshipping, raising our youth, being a neighbor and voting. I am proud to be a product of the North End of Beaumont. This is where I lay my head, planted my roots, and plan to stay. I want everyone who live here to be North End proud. 

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

SLJ: I have many but the one that is echoing in my head right now is, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” -Muhammad Ali

When my time is up here on Earth, the legacy that I want to ring is how he serviced others. It will not be about how handsome he was, whether he was lavish or not, or how much money he earned, but how he helped God’s people. 

Dr. David Willard is an award-winning educator, author, editor, elected official, and community servant. In his 30-year career in education, he has worked in some of the nation’s finest schools such as Sidwell Friends in Washington, DC, The Langley School in McLean, VA, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, MA. He is currently the Middle School Dean of Students at All Saints Episcopal School in Beaumont, TX, which is also the school he desegregated as a child as its first African-American student.

David has firm roots in Beaumont running five generations deep. As a community leader, he follows in the footsteps of family members including educators, business owners, and his parents, crusading civil rights and criminal defense attorney Elmo R. Willard, III, and Pat Willard, former Beaumont educator and outreach coordinator for the Gift of Life Program. 

A graduate of Morehouse College with a B. A. in Finance, Dr. Willard also earned two Masters and a Doctorate degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where he co-authored and edited the book Grass Roots Social Action: Lessons in People Power Movements with the noted professor and sociologist Charles V. Willie. In 2019, he was elected Commissioner-at-Large for the Port of Beaumont, TX. He is also a member of the Christus Southeast Texas Health System Regional Board and a member of the Christus St. Elizabeth Advisory Board. David has worked extensively with the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center and IEA of Beaumont, which awarded him the “Dr. Preston W. Shaw Volunteer of the Year” Award. He was the inaugural recipient of the Connie Wooten Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017 given by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, a governing and accreditation body for 114 Episcopal schools throughout the southwest region of the United States. He was recently profiled in Issue 9 of the national magazine Stranger’s Guide. The issue focused on the state of Texas. 

He lives in Beaumont with his wife, Kim Taft Willard, a Recruiter in the Human Resources Department for Education First FCU.

David’s commitment to service is richer and deeper due to his commitment to family, to community, and to place. 

BBP: Who or what inspired you to seek a position as a commissioner?

DW: From an early age, my mother and father impressed upon me the importance of political and social engagement. They stressed that African-Americans needed to acquire political and economic power to bring about necessary change within our communities. As a young boy, my mother, older brother, and I marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Chicago, IL, my mother’s hometown, during his Chicago Freedom Movement Campaign. That movement focused on housing inequalities, educational deficiencies, and income and employment disparities. On July 10, 1966, the campaign culminated with a speech by Dr. King at Soldier Field. 

During that same year, I observed as my father became the first African-American to run for county-wide office on the Jefferson County Texas Commissioners Court. He lost in a run-off to the long-term incumbent. Two years later, he became the second African-American to run for Beaumont’s City Council. Unfortunately, he lost that race also. But, my father set the course. He was the first to run, and by following in his footsteps, I’m the first Willard to win. I learned through the examples set by my parents and ancestors.

BBP: What is the one thing you wished people understood about your position?

DW: It’s not necessarily about my specific position, but I wish people better understood the Port of Beaumont’s importance to our area, the nation-at-large, and internationally. It serves as a vital link in the national and international shipping industry. As the nation’s most important strategic military cargo port in the country, it is key to our safety and defense. It is currently the third-largest port in the United States in terms of tonnage, with more than 6.5 million tons of cargo passing through the Port of Beaumont’s gates last year. That cargo then traveled to destinations in the United States and the world. 

The Port is also a significant engine of economic development in our area. It has a $25 billion economic impact annually and is responsible for 67,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Additionally, the Port of Beaumont is the third fastest-growing port in the country. 

As a Commissioner, my primary responsibilities are to the interests of the taxpayers of the District and ensuring that the Port operates in a fiscally responsible manner. The Port is a publicly owned entity partnering with private investors to provide economic benefits to the surrounding communities. I am also personally invested in alerting others to the job opportunities found per the Port’s activities.

BBP: Why do you believe entrepreneurship is so important to the Black community?

DW: America is a capitalist country. Like most systems governing the United States, the benefits derived from capitalism are inequitable for African-Americans. The inequality is most notably found in a lag in black entrepreneurship and a corresponding deficit in Black-owned businesses. Entrepreneurship is a primary driver for substantial economic growth. 

According to UNLV professor Tiffany Howard, “Black-owned businesses have created 1 million jobs and generated over $165 billion in revenue.” Black businesses and entrepreneurship are also leading contributors to decrease the racial wealth gap and racial disparity. However, access to capital has always been the major impediment for African-Americans looking to start a business. Due to structural and institutional racism, banks and other financial institutions are much more stringent on Black applicants looking to finance a business start-up or acquire an existing business than they are on any other similarly-minded group.  

BBP: How do you feel about the way COVID-19 has affected educating the youth?

DW: I am concerned that many of our school districts, schools, and teachers did not have the resources and training necessary to effectively administer to our children’s educational needs through the use of remote learning throughout the pandemic. Technology and the training needed to implement that technology properly were required to keep students on task.  Of course, parent responsibility and accountability played a large role in that as well. This sudden transition has most severely impacted lower-income families and school districts. We very well could be looking at a year or more lost in educational advancement as we begin to work our way out of this historical situation.   

BBP: Why do you think community service is so important?

DW: I will let a quote attributed to Muhammad Ali, Shirley Chisolm, Marian Wright Edelman, and others in various fashions speak for me.  “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”  I don’t think I can say it any better than that.

BBP:  To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why?

DW: I’m not too big on counting accomplishments because, in my mind, I still have a lot left to accomplish. I’m always trying to move forward and push ahead. I’ve been blessed to date to have been in very advantageous situations that I’ve tried not to squander. But, that may read as though I am skirting the question. So, I will end with this. 

In 2017, I was the inaugural recipient of the Connie Wooten Excellence in Teaching Award given by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES). SAES is the governing and accreditation body of 114 schools in six states--Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The award came with a $5,000 cash prize. It is notable to me because I achieved it in my chosen field, to which I have dedicated thirty-two years while working in the school that I desegregated as a child as its first Black student.

BBP: If you could change one thing about your hometown, what would it be and why?

DW: I am a fifth-generation Beaumont resident. My roots in this community run deep.  If I could change one thing, I would create more enjoyable entertainment outlets for young people. We lose some of our best and brightest to other cities in the state and country. Having more creative leisure activities for young people to partake in might help to reverse that.

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life?

DW: My philosophy is to try and leave something better than you found it. In each situation that we encounter in life, we can add to or detract from that situation. I strive to add something positive and of worth to any new endeavor I undertake. Leave your mark for the better.

BBP: Imagine you were speaking to a group of young men. What would be the topic of your message?  Why?

DW: My topic would be centered on the importance of education. Education is the fault line in American society. It separates the haves from the have-nots, and it is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy. As attributed to Thomas Jefferson, “An enlightened citizenry is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic. Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable them to exercise oversight. It is therefore imperative that the nation see to it that a suitable education be provided for all its citizens.” 

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

DW: “Equal rights and knowledge for all.”  That was Howard University’s first motto. It encompasses everything that a nation should strive to achieve.

Floyd Hope Jr. is from the north end of Beaumont, Texas. He has been married to Queyashi Hope for almost 10 years. They have 2 children: Jaylen and Khyri Hope. He attended Central High school in Beaumont and graduated in 1998. After working various jobs, Floyd realized he needed a solid career to take care of his family the best way possible. He enrolled in Lamar State College Port Arthur and graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology in 2016. During his time there, he earned an internship with DuPont. 

Floyd Hope is now a Chemical Operator at Suez Technologies and Solutions. He is also the owner of an inspirational clothing brand, KikBack Clothing, and a podcast called Da KikBack. Floyd uses his platform to help bring awareness to communities on topics such as:  mental health, politics and real estate. He’s helped to educate many who watch his podcast. 

Floyd Hope also started his own charity, Nawf Side Alumni Children’s Charity. He helps mentor kids and create fundraisers to help the less fortunate. Floyd is committed to spreading positivity, helping his community, and making sure our children become great leaders in this world.

BBP:  Who or what inspired you to start your own business? 

FH: My listeners would always ask me who did my shirts that I had made for my podcast and I would tell them. I realized the person who made the shirts was capitalizing off of my ideas. It made me think; I can do the same thing. That sparked the idea of my own clothing brand.

BBP: Why do you believe entrepreneurship is so important to the Black community? 

FH: Entrepreneurship is important to the Black community because it teaches commitment, responsibility, and a sense of having your own. African Americans spend more than a trillion dollars a year. It is important that we recirculate that money in the Black communities to have thriving neighborhoods. 

BBP: What advice do you have for someone considering starting their own business? 

FH: Believe in yourself. Always stay positive no matter what. Take everything as a learning lesson. Also, don’t think everyone will support you and that’s ok.

BBP: What has been your greatest struggle as an entrepreneur? How do you work to overcome that struggle? 

FH: I would say my greatest struggle would be that I want everything to be perfect. At times I hesitate putting out a shirt thinking people will not like it. I work to overcome that struggle by telling myself that nothing can stop you from reaching your goals but you. You are the key to your success!  

BBP: To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why? 

FH: My greatest accomplishment is being able to provide a good lifestyle for my family. I’m also able to do what I love at the same time with my podcast and clothing brand. Seeing my family happy is a great accomplishment. 

BBP: How has your business been affected by COVID19 and how have you worked to adjust to the new normal? 

FH: COVID 19 has affected my business mainly by shipping delays. What usually takes a week to get to customers now takes 2 to 3 weeks. To adjust to the new normal, I constantly remind customers about the delays.

BBP: If you could change one thing about your hometown what would it be and why? 

FH: The one thing I would change about my city is the attitude that some people have that being great can be harder in a small town due to support. My city has lots of entrepreneurs with awesome small businesses that the world should know about. We can’t be afraid to let the people know! 

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life? 

FH: My personal philosophy on life would be to do what makes you happy. Life is all about what you want to do with yourself. You might as well be happy while you’re doing it!

BBP: Imagine you were speaking to a group of young men. What would be the topic of your message? Why? 

FH: My topic would be focus. I would tell them to stay focused on your goal and to avoid negative people. To be great takes hard work. You can’t be afraid of hard work if you want to be great in whatever you do, from sports to business. 

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?  

FH: It’s by Nipsey Hussle. He said, "Sometimes you have to take two steps back to take ten steps forward.” In my opinion, it means to take a few steps back and analyze the field for what you want to do. Then, implement your plan and go forward with it.

Tyron Cormier, along with his wife Shamine, are founding and lead pastors of Five: Nineteen Church, located in Beaumont, Texas. They have two daughters and a Labrador named Sky. Tyron loves teaching biblical truths in a comedic and applicable way. He is the author of the book, “Awaken The Champion in You.” He accredits any positive traits that he possesses or any measure of success that he has attained to his upbringing in The Pear Orchard community and the influences of family members. 

Family members helped instill values in him such as integrity, hard work, and a relationship with Christ. Tyron was afforded many great educational opportunities. His time at Ozen High school prepared him for success during his time at Sam Houston State University. He obtained his Bachelor degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Finance. Tyron then went on to complete post-graduate studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently enrolled in Fuller Seminary in pursuit of additional graduate studies. 

BBP: What led to you becoming a Pastor?

TC: After serving in several leadership roles with college campus ministries, I realized the unique opportunities pastoring and working for a church would give for me to make an impact on individual’s lives. It was also during this time I realized how important of a role the church has consistently played in the African American community through different time periods.

BBP: What is one of your greatest challenges in your current position and how do you work to overcome that challenge?

TC: The apprehension towards a diverse church, led by an African American pastor, is a great challenge we face in Southeast Texas.

I’m committed to keep loving people, no matter what race or background they come from, and building a church where people of different races and various outlooks in life can find cohesion in CHRIST.

BBP: What is your personal philosophy on life?

TC: Love God, dream big, work hard, don’t quit, & serve others.

BBP: What is one misconception you believe people have about Pastor's?  

TC: There is a misconception of pastors being “money hungry.” Many pastors I know, desire to see growth in your (their members) relationship with CHRIST more than anything.

BBP: What advice do you have for someone who believes the Lord has called them to preach?

TC: I would tell them I’m excited for them. Our call to preach is not just limited to when we are on stage. The best preaching we will ever do, is the way we live our life everyday off the stage.

BBP: To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why? 

TC: My wife and kids are my greatest accomplishments. Just as graduating college is a common goal, getting married and having a family was a goal for me.

Being a husband and father comes with its share of challenges and learning curves. Yet, it is one of the most rewarding things in my life.  

BBP: What would you say to someone who is feeling discouraged about the events that have been taking place in our country? 

TC: John 14:1-2 states, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

I would say this is a good reminder that this is not our final home, that Christ has prepared a room for us in heaven. But, until we make it to the place Christ prepared for us, we must never turn a blind eye, or fail to address behavior from an organization or individual who seeks to spread hate and violence.

BBP: If you could be doing anything else, would you? Why or why not? 

TC: I really envy people who can sing. I would be in a R&B group.

BBP: What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day?

TC: I read a book, watch movies, and TV shows from the 90’s.

BBP: What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

TC: Two of the most important days in your life, the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born.

Our tombstone brings attention to the day we are born, and the day we pass away. What you do with the dash (-) located between those dates will be your legacy people remember you by.

Mr. Ryan Tezeno was born and raised in Orange, Texas. He is a 2012 graduate from West Orange Stark High School. After graduating high school, he worked in the refineries/plants. Ryan had a son on October 7, 2014, Ayden Tezeno. Working 60-72 hours a week took him away from his son a lot and put a lot on Ryan’s mind. He spent countless nights sitting at the dining table trying to figure out his purpose and how he could find a career that could possibly have him home with his family more than working mornings or overnight for another company. 

Mr. Tezeno became a Licensed To Carry a Handgun holder in early 2019. After receiving his license, he realized that carrying a firearm and understanding firearm safety was very serious. Through numerous nights doing research and talking with several resources, Mr. Tezeno decided to become a Licensed Handgun Instructor and create his own firearm business. Ryan became a qualified instructor in the great state of Texas in October of 2019 and created his business soon afterwards. 

Elite Creations Firearm Academy is a black owned firearm business in the Golden Triangle owned by Mr. Tezeno. They offer several training classes and are also licensed as a Federal Firearm Dealer with the ATF. Elite creations overall goal is to get the black community more involved in the gun world, legally, and learning the safety techniques and the laws behind being a safe firearm owner. 

Q.  Who or what inspired you to start your own business?

A. My son inspired me to create my own business. Currently, I work full-time twelve hour shifts at International Paper. I have been in the plant/refinery world for about eight years now and the time I spend at work is more than the time spent with family. So, I had to create something that can eventually get me out of those steel toe boots.

Q.  Why do you think firearm training is so important right now?

A. Firearm training is very important especially in the black community. We, the African American race, has it very hard when it comes to firearms simply because we are not educated and a lot of us do not seek the education. One of my goals when creating this business was to make people that look like me feel not only comfortable about firearms, but to also make it fun and relaxing. The pandemic and other crisis’s just in 2020 alone showed us why not only is firearm training is important, but also knowing the laws behind it. We have had countless murders, home invasions, church and school killings. We must make sure our whole household is prepared on all levels.

Q.  As a Black man what advice do you have for young Black men growing up during these challenging times?

A. Keep fighting to prove you’re not just average. Put your crown on and shine King. If you believe in yourself you can create the reality of your choice.

Q.  What would you do if someone wanted firearm training due to domestic issues but could not afford to pay?

A. I would give them suggestions and advice on whom to speak with. Legally, if I know you’re in any danger or any harm due to domestic issues and provide training or a license to carry, my name and business name will be under investigation if something were to happen. Advice would be all that I could give legally.

Q.  What is your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur and how do you work to overcome that challenge?

A. My biggest challenge as an entrepreneur is trust. I tend to overload myself a lot because I feel like if I do not do it then it will not get done right. I’m building a team of elite assistants and trusting that things will workout for the best. I have literally put my all into this business and I must make sure my team takes it as serious as I do. I have a fear that someone will not take things as serious, slack or skip a step and cost us our opportunity to the next level. My greatest challenge is definitely building trust.

Q.  To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why?

A. My greatest accomplishment has been simply surviving the year 2020 with all of its obstacles and tests. I never let any distraction get in the way of making Elite Creations one of the top black owned firearm businesses around. I’m creating, executing and elevating.

Q.  If you could be doing anything else would you? Why or why not?

A. To be honest, there are plenty of things I plan on doing and plenty more businesses I plan on creating. My ultimate goal is to create generational wealth so my son will not have to work and sacrifice the way I did.

Q.  What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day?

A. I play madden football or WWE wrestling with my son on the play station console or simply letting him choose a Netflix movie and we just kick back and relax. 

Q.  What is one thing you would tell your younger self? Why?

A. Create daily, weekly, monthly. and yearly goals. Whatever you choose to be in life; be proud, go hard, and give it your all to be the best at it.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. Be ready so you never have to get ready. 

That’s my favorite because to me it means think and prepare for the absolute worse and hope for the best. 

Upon graduation from Prairie View A&M University in Dec. 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Braxton Bennett began his career as a Planning Engineer with the City of Houston Public Works Department. After a short tenure with the City of Houston, he moved on to work as the Operations Manager/Design Engineer for Mass Flow Technologies where he focused on the engineering design of piping systems in June 2006. To move back home to Southeast Texas, Braxton took advantage of an opportunity with XL Systems as a Product Engineer. This opportunity allowed him to support the manufacturing design of products utilized in the oil and gas industry. 

In August 2008, Braxton began his career with Entergy starting as a Project Engineer. His primary focus was to manage large maintenance and capital equipment replacement projects with the power generating plants in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. After nearly 5 years in this role, he was promoted to the position of Process Owner with a focus of strategic planning related to equipment replacement and the implementation of key processes at the Sabine Station Plant in Bridge City, TX. With the knowledge of project management and strategic planning acquired in 2017, he moved to the role of Plant Assets Team Lead where he led a team of operations personnel responsible for the safe, reliable operations of turbine-generators and associated equipment. 

In June 2018, Braxton switched his focus to the role of Technical Support Team Lead leading a team of engineers and technical support specialist responsible for the management of maintenance projects. In January 2019, he was afforded the opportunity of a management position. Braxton Bennett became the Plant Manager of Calcasieu Plant and Asset Manager of Acadia Generating Station in Southwest Louisiana. After 11 months leading the Calcasieu team, he received an opportunity take on more responsibility. In January 2020, he took on the leadership responsibilities of the Hot Spring Energy Facility in Malvern, AR as the Plant Manager. Recently, in August 2020, Braxton was promoted to Sr. Plant Manager where his responsibility was increased by adding the leadership responsibilities of the Lake Catherine, Carpenter Dam and Remmel Dam power plants in Malvern, AR. 

Q.  Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your current field? 

A. As a kid, I naturally took to mathematics and excelled throughout grade school into college. While in grade school, my aunt served as a math teacher for BISD which inspired me to look for a career involving math. I initially had desires to follow in her footsteps to become a math teacher. While this was an interest of mine, my attention was drawn to engineering after attending pre-college camps at Prairie View A&M University each summer of high school and being involved in GT Tame.

Q.  What would you say has been your greatest weakness in your position and how do you work to overcome that? 

A. My greatest weakness in my position was using “filler” words when speaking to an audience instead of making a point and moving forward. There was some nervousness involved with speaking in front of audiences. After coming to the realization of this weakness, I joined various teams within the business unit that provided me opportunities to speak in front of audiences. This allowed me to become more comfortable with public speaking. Additionally, I set aside time to watch videos of public speakers, read books on public speaking and ask for feedback from members of audiences that I have spoken for.

Q.  As a Black man what advice do you have for young Black men growing up during these challenging times?

A.  I would tell any young Black man, as with my own sons, that the sky is the limit. Often, as a Black man you have to do double the work just to remain equal so never take a day off. Continue to perfect your craft in whatever you choose to do in life.

Q.  What is your personal educational philosophy? 

A. My personal educational philosophy is that anything can be learned with a little time, patience, and effort. Take time to learn a little something about various things; diversify your exposure/knowledge. Above all, keep a questioning attitude.

Q.  Have you ever considered running for a public office?  If so, which office and why? If not, why not? 

A. I have not considered running for a public office. I’ve always felt that I was a behind the scenes guy who could lead without being in front.

Q.  To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why? 

A. My greatest accomplishment to date would have to be the raising of two Black sons in today’s climate with no issues. A close second would be becoming a Sr. Plant Manager just one year after transitioning into the plant management role.

Q.  What is one misconception you believe people have about Entergy? 

A. One misconception that people have about Entergy is that everyone that works for the company gets a “discount” on their bills or they can get lights turned on with no issues.

Q.  If you could be doing anything else would you? Why or why not? 

A. Yes. I would probably do something in the financial arena. Banking or an agent would be something I could see myself excelling in.

Q.  What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day? 

A. Most days I go to the gym to work out after a long day. This allows me to disconnect from the day with free mind for a moment in time. It’s like recharging my internal battery.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why? 

A. My favorite motivational quote is my email signature. Leadership is not being in charge; it’s about taking care of people in your charge. As a leader my primary responsibility is the individuals who are a part of my team. I work to remove barriers for them to open opportunities for success.

Commissioner Everette “Bo” Alfred is married to the former Naomi Cormier. They have four children: Ebony, Margaret, Joshua, and Tyrone N. Alfred. He attended Beaumont Charlton-Pollard High School and graduated in 1976. He attended undergraduate school at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he received Bachelor of Science Degrees in Industrial Engineering 1980, and Criminal Justice 1989. He attended William P. Hobby School of Public Service at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where he graduated from the Certified Public Management Program in 1997.

Commissioner Alfred was elected to office to serve the constituents of Precinct # 4 in 2002. He is the liaison appointed to oversee the following Jefferson County departments and buildings: Automobile Service Center, Public Health Department Unit I & Unit II, Veterans Services Office, Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center, Jefferson County Annex I Building, and the Jefferson County Annex II Building. He has been and presently is very active in many civic, social, church, business and community organizations including: North & East Texas County Judges & Commissioners Association President (May 19, 2016 – May 18, 2017), Speaker at the 151st Juneteenth Gala in Galveston, Texas June 16 – 18, 2016, Board Member of the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program (2007-Present), Honorary Chair of the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program’s 2007 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Honored of Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program Champagne & Ribs- April 2016, and Honorary Chair of the Gift of Life’s Men’s Health Screenings during June, National Men’s Health Month 2016. Commissioner Alfred has also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Counties, National Organization of Black County Officials, was President of the Texas Organization of Black County Commissioners, and presently serves on the Board of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties. 

Since being in office, he has been passionate about local and minority participation for job opportunities, He has developed several programs to benefit the community. The Jefferson County Abatements (HUB’s and DBE’s) helps minority owned businesses. The Jefferson County Precinct 4 Annual Health Fair (Take Yourself & a Loved One to the Doctor Day) was created by Commissioner Alfred. He started the Annual Health Fair in 2003 and has hosted it for 18 years. The event provides free blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings, eye exams and glasses, hearing and dental oral exams, body mass index, educational classes, and doctor exams. A combined total of approximately 900 people are provided more than 1,400 free services at two health fairs held annually in September. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was converted to a drive-through, where about 400 people came to receive free blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, flu shots, and free COVID-19 testing.  There was also a blood drive with COVID antibody testing and a food giveaway. 

The “Southeast Texas Super Seniors” program began in 2009 as a free travel and educational program, funded by corporate and community sponsors, designed to keep seniors active and assist them in maintaining health throughout their golden years. The program initially offered three bus trips to Texas cities for seniors ages 55 and older while providing drive-time educational presentations. Commissioner Alfred has hosted seven Super Seniors Appreciation Breakfasts to thank sponsors for their participation. Approximately 300 area seniors attend this event each year. Commissioner Alfred has also organized eight “Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway” events. In that time, he presented more than 335 HEB gift cards, 90 smoked turkeys, and over 170 turkey dinners with all the trimmings, to some of Beaumont’s senior residents in hopes of lightening the load that comes with the Holiday Season. In 2010, Jefferson County Precinct # 4 began partnering with the Texas Department of Agriculture to host the Summer Food Service Program, also known as the Summer “Read and Feed” Program at the Precinct 4 Service Center. The program provides free, nutritious meals at two sites five days a week to low-income children ages 18 years and younger during the summer months when school is not in session.  In 2020, more than 800 meals were served to children from the Precinct’s three independent school districts: Beaumont, Hamshire Fannett, and Hardin-Jefferson. He organized the Cheek Community First Time Sewer Service Project in 2004 after a large number of residents were being fined by the local environmental control division for failure to comply with basic standards. Discharge of sewer flowed into ditches where young children played on a daily basis. According to Environmental Control, many of those households included the elderly and families with children. Many of these residents did not have the financial resources to address these health concerns or costs for installation of grinder pumps. 

To date, Jefferson County Precinct # 4 has received $825,000 from the Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and $350,000 in funds through Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) for the Small Towns Environment Program (STEP) grant. Additional funding came from the Supplemental Environmental Grant Program (SEP) through TCEQ in the amount of $92,430. Jefferson County completed Phase V of a VI Phase project has installed more than 9 miles of force main and over 72 grinder pumps to date.

Commissioner Alfred is committed to making a difference in his community and in the lives of others. 

Q. Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

A. My mother, Margaret Alfred; grandmother, Louisiana Alfred; and my minister, Rev. William N. McCarty had a great influence on me. 

My mother, Margaret Alfred, would always bring me and my siblings to the public library on Saturdays to read books, magazines, and do research. 

My grandmother, Louisiana Alfred, stressed education by expressing that we must go to college and graduate. 

My minister, Rev. W. N. McCarty, preached the gospel and stressed to me the importance of taking a stand in the community for what was right. I was blessed to have an opportunity at a young age to sit down and dialogue with him about our community, being active in the community, and taking stands when necessary. He was a part of Beaumont’s Big Three – better known as McCarty, Brown, and Daniels. 

Q.  You have started and participate in several community programs. Why is community involvement so important to you?

A. It is important for me to give back to the community that raised me and put my feet upon the path of knowledge. I believe that the Good Lord has put me in a position to help others and see that their voices are heard and their needs are being met. 

Q.  You've hosted an annual health fair. How has COVID19 impacted your concerns about healthcare?

A. I started the Annual Health Fair 18 years ago in conjunction with the Tom Joyner Foundation’s National Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day Campaign. The purpose was to improve the health of everyone in the community, specifically those who were least likely to seek medical attention. I wanted them have access to critical medical services such as blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, eye, hearing screenings, and doctor examinations. 

With the help of generous corporate sponsors, community partners, and medical professionals, we were able to make this event free of charge to citizens.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, access to critical health care is that much more important. This year I changed the format of the health fair and made it a drive through event. In addition to blood pressure, blood sugar checks, and flu shots, citizens also had access to free COVID-19 testing, a blood drive with COVID antibody testing and a food give away. The U.S. Census Bureau and Voter Registration was also present at the event held in September.

Q.  What advice do you have for African-Americans that may be considering a career in public service?

A. I would advise them to know the community they want to represent. Know their needs and work in the community to help them.

Q.  What suggestions do you have for strengthening the relationship between the community and elected officials?

A. The community should hold their elected officials to the letter of the law. They should dialogue with them on their needs and wants and the elected officials should be able to communicate with them as well.

Q.  Have you ever considered running for any other public office?  If so, which office and why? If not, why not?

A. My goal is to continue to serve the citizens of Precinct #4 and let the Lord guide me in any other endeavor that he would see fit for my life.

Q.  To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been?  Why?

A. I would most like to be remembered for being a voice for the voiceless such as a man that would keep his word to help the homeless, the poor, and the sick among us. 

In that same voice I would like to be known as the man that stood to help our business community prosper and add expansions to the plants through tax abatements and business friendly activities that would help our community grow. This will enable our children to go to college here, stay and raise families, and make our community a strong and vibrant section of Southeast Texas for years to come.

I would like to be remembered for offering programs that engage all ages of society through organizing the: 

• Jefferson County Precinct #      4 Annual Health Fair – “Take Yourself & a Loved One to the Doctor Day”
• Jefferson County Precinct #      4 “Southeast Texas Super Seniors” Program 
• Texas Department of      Agriculture and Jefferson County Precinct # 4 Summer “Read & Feed”      Program

Q.  As a parent, how has the recent events of police brutality affected you and your family?

A. Like any other parent in America, when you see an African American, or person of color, treated like an animal, it affects you because we know the Lord made all men equal. It affects me as a parent by worrying about my kids. Knowing their last name is Alfred, it draws heat to them that they did not ask for. 

There are some people in different professions that will take advantage of your family members because of stands you take. It frightened me at times and made me have conversations with them throughout my career as a public servant on how they should act if stopped by law enforcement officers.

Q.  What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day?

A. I enjoy exercising, cycling, and cooking. 

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. One of my favorite quotes is by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

I like this quote because it is a reminder that we all have an obligation to help our neighbor and stand up for what is right even if what is right is not the popular thing to do. 

Norman J. Bellard, a native of Beaumont, Texas, is the assistant to the President for Community Relations, Athletic Programs Liaison, and Economic Development & Student Access for Lamar University. He is a proud graduate of Hebert High School. Norman received a bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from Lamar University. 

He has received numerous awards and recognitions including: Member of Lamar’s Men’s Basketball All-Decade Team (70’s), Lamar University Distinguished Alumni (2003), ExxonMobil Award of Prestige Living Legend Celebration (2018), SETX Family Services Bill Leger Family Advocate of the Year Award (2018) and Lamar University Hall of Honor Inductee (2020). Norman is also involved with several organizations such as: Catholic Charities Diocese of Beaumont Board of Directors, Exxon Mobil Citizen Advisory Panel, SETX Food Bank Board, NAACP (life member), 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont, Salvation Army Boy’s and Girl’s Club Board, and the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association. His volunteer activities have included: Basketball Coach for 17 years at the L.L. Melton Family YMCA, BISD School Business Partner at Lucas Elementary, Graduate of Leadership Beaumont, and Blessed Sacrament Brown Bag Feed the Need Program. 

He has over 30 years’ experience in personal financial planning and accounting. Norman is committed to honesty, integrity, hard work and helping others.

Q. Who or what inspired you to enter your chosen career field?

A. One of my favorite high school teachers at Hebert, Mrs. Hudson encouraged me to pursue a college degree in business specifically Accounting. I’ve been blessed to experience a very successful professional career.

Q. What are some challenges that you have faced in your position and how have you worked to overcome those challenges?

A. I have always strived to achieve success in life, failure was not an option. I am a former athlete: football, basketball and baseball player through my sophomore year at South Oak Cliff in Dallas. My dad’s job transferred him to Beaumont, and I finished my junior and senior years at Hebert High School concentrating solely on basketball. It was instilled in me at a very early age by my parents, coaches, and teachers to be a high achiever. 

I have been very fortunate and blessed to realize some success in my professional career, a great majority of that success can be directly correlated to the lessons learned on the athletic court and fields. Ironically it is the failures I have experienced in life that I have learned the most, converting lemons into lemonade. I have learned to plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, and pursue persistently. 

Q. What advice do you have for someone who is seeking a career as a professional athlete?

A. My answer would be the same for any career a young person would aspire to pursue. My recommendation is, pursue a career that you are passionate about because if you are fortunate enough to secure something you have a passion for, it will never be a job. I would like to share what 

I call the 7 P’s of success: 

Preparation: Make ready; planning is everything. “You know a man that knows not where he is going will probably end up some place else.”

Perseverance: Achieving success despite difficulty. I’m sure there have been times when you wanted to quit, lay it down and said I’ve had enough but you didn’t. You know those of us that are deemed or perceived successful; it boils down to how do we handle adversity. Life will knock you down, you will consistently stumble, may even fall, just make sure you keep getting back up. There is a very thin line between success and failure, sometimes it’s simply how we handle adversity.

Patience: Endurance under difficult circumstances. The capacity to accept or tolerate delay. Patience is a great virtue, you know it’s not our will, IT’S THY WILL! Be prepared, persevere and remaining patient will usually result in positive productivity.

Persistence: Continuance in a course of action. Always remain diligent despite all the potholes of life, despite all the curve balls life will throw at you. STAY THE COURSE!!

Passion: A compelling enthusiasm.

Professionalism: One’s conduct at WORK! Remember there’s always someone paying attention.

Prayer: It’s a MUST!! 

Q. To who or what do you owe your success?

A. My parents first and foremost. My wife for 40+ years, she is the rock of our family. I’ve been blessed to have excellent mentors in my life, teachers, school administrators, coaches, spiritual advisors, and professional mentors.

Q. As a black man, how has the recent events of civil unrest affected you and your family and how do you cope with the issues of racial injustice?

A. Racial injustice, social injustice, and systemic racism has existed for over 400 years. The recent events have exacerbated the situation. We must continue to march forward and get in GOOD TROUBLE!

Q. What are your top three Priorities in life?

A. Do good, be happy, do nice things for other people, live and keep close to God.

Q. You are actively involved in giving back to your community. Why is community involvement so important to you?

A. I do it to create a better path to succeed, achieve, excel, and accessibility to resources, better than what my generation received. Someone provided, fought the battles, addressed concerns, confronted inequities for us, so why not pursue a better path for the next generation.

Q. What changes would you like to see in your community? Why?

A. First and foremost, we must address the blighted, neglected communities within the city of Beaumont. We must aggressively pursue economic development opportunities for those communities mentioned above. We also must embrace opportunities to partner with the Beaumont Independent School District administration. Those of us that care about the future of Beaumont must offer their time, talent, and in some cases their treasure. 

Q. Would you change anything about your journey? Why or why not?

A. No, none whatsoever. I have learned to embrace this journey, whether it has been positive or negative, and I’ve accepted this is my unique journey meant specifically for me.

Q. What is your favorite quote to live by?

A. “If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show someone he’s traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Randolph “Randy” T. Martin is a Commissioner for the Port of Port Arthur, his native home town. Martin has always had a passion for his small community and hometown and the desire to contribute to its growth and economic development. As commissioner, he contributes to setting port policies and guiding executive staff to ensure that the port continues to lead as a powerful economic engine for the region, and the nation. 

Randy joined the United States Army in 2001 as a Water Purification Specialist, Military Occupational Specialty 92W. He retired in the 2019 Sergeant First Class of the United States Army. His duties as Sergeant First Class include: Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, S4, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Platoon Sergeant of 3rd Platoon in the 3rd 158 in Katterbach, Germany, Platoon Sergeant of 3rd Platoon in the 20th Quartermaster in the 101st  Sustainment Brigade, Master Driver Senior Instructor in the 101st Division Headquarters, Battle Staff Lead instructor in 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and Petroleum Water OC/T NCOIC 2-410th BSB Camp Shelby, Mississippi.  His military education includes:  Hazard Material handling, Recruiting Management, Sling Load Inspector, Battle Staff, Master Driver Trainer, Advance Leader Course Basic Instructor Training, Demonstrated Senior Logistician Contracting Requisition Sr. LDR Course, and Sharp Course Master Resilience Trainer Combat Life Saver course. He graduated at the highest level of training at the Army Logistics Non-commissioned Officer Academy. He served 6 tours in forward deployed war zones in Iraq, along with several overseas tours.

In addition to being commissioner, Randy was selected by the Port Arthur City Council to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals where he hears appeals of decisions and interpretations of the building officials to consider variances to the construction codes. This board also hears cases concerning unsafe or dangerous buildings or service systems. Martin also serves as the Environmental Chair for the Port Arthur City PTA Council and on The Port Arthur Independent School District Early College Selection board. Randy was co-owner of Support Operations Services, a general contracting company. In 2019, Randy was awarded top 50 Black Professionals and entrepreneurs of Southeast Texas. 

Randy Martin also accepted a special calling on his life and serves as a licensed Associate Minister for Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas. He uses his gift in prison ministry at the Richard P. Leblanc State Prison. Randy is the youngest of six siblings of the late Mr. Philip H. Martin and Velma R. Martin. He is also the proud father to Miss. Kaydence Camille Mart

Q.  Who or what inspired you seek a public office? 

A. After serving in the US Army for 17 years and returning home to find the city of Port Arthur, Texas in such a dilapidated state, I felt the urge to place my “Dog” in the fight and do my part to make things better.

Q.  What are some challenges that you have faced in your position and how have you worked to overcome those challenges?

A. It's always going to be opposition when one is trying to implement change, or any form of nuance among a group and you're the "YOUNG NEW GUY." To combat or overcome those challenges, I relied on past experiences and training. I've pressed and leaned forward on the implementation of Policies and Standard Operation Procedures.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who is seeking a public office position?

A. Consult with the Creator and ensure that your Heart is in the right place to make decisions, regardless if the decisions are popular or unpopular. A great leader does what's right and makes the hard decisions for the betterment of the people. 

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A. I owe it all to GOD! I’m thankful for a mother, family and friends who were unwavering in assisting me in a well fought campaign. Also, to the citizens of Port Arthur, Texas who entrusted me with such a great undertaking.  

Q.  As a Black man, how has the recent events of civil unrest affected you and your family and how do you cope with the issues of racial injustice?

A. It has forced us to have the uncomfortable conversation of properly protecting myself as I travel about my day to ensure I come home at night. My contribution has been my way of coping. I wholeheartedly believe in economic inclusion. I was blessed to be instrumental in the Port of Port Arthur adopting the Policy for Diversity and Contractors Assistance Program.

Q.  What are your top three priorities in life?

GOD, FAMILY, AND THE REVITALIZATION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR!

Q.  You are actively involved in giving back to your community. Why is community involvement so important to you?

A. YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF GOD'S PEOPLE!

Q.  What changes would you like to see in your community? Why?

A. I'd like to see more industrial businesses move south of 73 into downtown/inner city Port Arthur. More business means more jobs and more people will be able to provide for their families.

Q.  What advice do you have for 2020 graduates?

A. Pay strict attention to the fine print. Error on the side of overtly paying attention to detail early in life. This will make for a greatly rewarded skill set later on. Always follow through! 

Q.  What advice would you give to your younger self?  Why?

A. LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS.  STUDY OPPOSITION CLOSELY. STRIKE WHEN THE IRON IS HOT.  WORK HARD WITH CLARITY AND CONCISION.  These are a few skills that most people lack and if you start to work on them early on it becomes you.

James E. Payne is a board-certified personal injury attorney. He started out as an associate for Vinson and Elkins before beginning his tenure at Provost & Umphrey Law Firm in 1995. Payne is certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The National Board of Trial Advocacy certified him in 2001 as a Certified Civil Trial Advocate and in 2012 as a Pretrial Practice Advocate. 

From 2003-2020, Payne has been selected for the Texas Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters. Texas Super Lawyers represents only 5 percent of the lawyers in the state. He became a certified member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Additionally, Payne has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© listing every year from 2006 to 2021 and has been recently named “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Product Liability Litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.

Payne is a member of many legal organizations including the American Board of Trial Advocates, International Society of Barristers, American Association for Justice, Jefferson County Bar Association, and Texas Trial Lawyer Association. He is also very involved in civic organizations and is a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Additionally from 2012 to 2014, he served as the Grand Sire Archon of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Payne developed the nationally recognized “Buy 90 Campaign” which was designed to economically empower the Black community in Southeast Texas. He has also created numerous campaigns as part of his “Get Out to Vote” effort. These include “1 Reaches 7 Challenge,” a social media challenge designed to encourage voting and “Payne in Politics,” a video campaign where Payne sits with elected officials and candidates discussing their roles and educating the community on the importance of voting. Payne is highly sought after as a motivational speaker by many organizations, schools, and churches. Payne also authored a book, I am Healed, But I am Still Sick?

Q. Who or what inspired you to pursue a career as an attorney? 

A. When I was ten years old, I was standing near a television when it exploded. Pieces of the picture tube caused injuries to my hand and knee. Our family really had no idea what to do legally, so they sought the services of an attorney, Tom Peterson. Not only was he able to provide the legal experience we needed, but he also encouraged me to help others who needed legal representation. He followed my educational journey and one day, we found ourselves in court together. 

Q.  What was one of the biggest challenges you faced while pursuing a career in law, and how did you work to overcome that challenge? 

A. When I graduated from high school, I was not a strong reader.  Math and science were my preferred classes. I only read the materials that were assigned to me by my teachers, but I knew that if I wanted to get through law school, I had to go beyond the required reading. I knew if I was going to successfully compete in the legal community, I had to be better than “just good.”  Reading has now become a great source of enjoyment for me.  Unfortunately, I now have very little time to actually read. 

Q.  How has the recent events of civil protests affected you and your family?

A. As a parent of three children, including two black sons, it is becoming increasingly difficult to explain how I defend the same justice system that seems to be denied to my own. The only comfort is to keep fighting with the hope that the future will be greater than our past. As a personal victim of police brutality, I understand the fear, anger, and frustration of many of our youth. One must ask this question of our justice system, when will we see freedom for ALL? I applaud those who peacefully protest for change. I hope that they do not lose their energy and will demonstrate their frustration when they cast ballots during the election cycle. 

Q.  How has COVID19 impacted your business and how have you worked around it? 

A. When our community was told to shut down, we sent our employees home. We all worked very productively from home and continued to work hard for our clients. When we were able to return, we put multiple measures in place to keep our staff and clients safe and healthy. We are now doing video depositions and having teleconferences so that we can maintain appropriate social distancing. While it is not a perfect system, we are making sure that our clients are receiving the same great representation while remaining safe during this pandemic. 

Q.  What are some words of encouragement for people who are struggling to deal with COVID19 and the protests?

A. Our ancestors have struggled with the civil injustices of Jim Crow laws, poll taxes, literacy tests, red-lining our districts, and the list goes on and on.  If they could make it through those unfair experiences, I know we will continue to fight and succeed beyond the systemic racism that we are currently encountering. The same God that was with our ancestors will deliver us today, even beyond a world-wide pandemic. 

Q.  If you could change anything about Southeast Texas what would it be and why?

A. I would like to see our community become unified. Unfortunately, there are still too many people in elected and selected positions that evaluate people and communities based on skin-color and/or socioeconomic status. If we are ever going to advance as a united community, we must learn to communicate with each other. We don’t have to agree on every issue, but we should be able to discuss our differences. 

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who may be considering a career as an attorney?

A. If you want to be an attorney, spend time speaking with one regarding their daily responsibilities. With how attorneys are portrayed on social media and reality shows, many people have a false perception of what lawyers actually do. Learn the profession (whether it is a lawyer or another career) and you can either become more focused on achieving your goal or realize that this career path may not be for you. 

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. “I play to win”—I am a very competitive person. While I realize that I cannot always win, I can always give my best to win. I can’t imagine losing a race before it even starts. So, why play this game of life, without striving to be the best there is?

Q.  What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?  Why? 

A. Always believe in you! People will challenge and sometimes even underestimate your ability. But, with God on your side, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish.

Q.  What advice do you have for kids heading back to school during this difficult time? 

A. Remember the reason why you are there, to get an education so you can have a voice and make a difference. Enjoy seeing your friends and try to make new ones. Most importantly, stay safe and make good choices. 

Hilton Kelley is currently one of the top Environmental Justice activists in North America. Prior to starting his environmental justice journey, Hilton Kelley was in the United States Navy. He served his country with great honor and pride for 6 years. Due to his outstanding workmanship, and attention to detail he was awarded the sailor of the month award in 1983 aboard the USS Roanoke. He was honorably discharged in 1986. 

After his honorable release from the military, Mr. Kelley pursued his life's passion of working in the film and television industry. He was inducted into the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) in 1991. During his acting career Hilton worked on movies including Dr. Doolittle with Eddie Murphy, Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams, and TV Shows such as Midnight Caller and Nash Bridges. He performed in the musical play Brother Dap by F.D. Jackson, Don’t You Want To Be Free? by Langston Hughes and wrote and directed What Goes Around Comes Around. Hilton even has a digital character (a Roman guard) modelled after him. 

After more than a decade in the acting business, Mr. Kelley took a trip back home to Port Arthur, Texas. The disheartening conditions he found there inspired him to take action to rebuild and revitalize his hometown community. In 2000, Hilton founded the Community In-Power and Development Association Incorporated (CIDA Inc.). With this organization Hilton has been able to amass a long and impressive list of accomplishments benefitting the environment and the Port Arthur community. Hilton began to challenge the environmental violations of the plants that loom over the community he calls home. CIDA Inc. collects scientific data from the emission sources and educates residents of Port Arthur about the toxic burden they shoulder. While fighting locally, Mr. Kelley also arranged for CIDA to join the International Shell Global Accountability Campaign and spoke at three Shell Annual Meetings in London, United Kingdom and The Hague, The Netherlands. 

In 2002, Mr. Kelley testified before the U.S. Senate on behalf of impoverished communities across the nation. In 2011, Hilton made history by winning the “Green Nobel Prize”: the Goldman Environmental Prize. Hilton was the first African American man to be the recipient of this prestigious award. He received this award in recognition for his accomplishment in reducing the amount of toxins refineries in Port Arthur, Texas put out in the air. In the course of his work, Hilton has developed an unsurpassed track record of organizing communities, lecturing for educational institutions, such as Harvard and Rice, public and motivational speaking, and protest rally leadership. Hilton currently has over 1500 followers on social media. CIDA Inc. and Hilton Kelley have received recognition from a wide variety of environmental organizations, lawmakers and even from the President of the United States of America, personally. 

Throughout Hilton’s environmental justice fight, he maintained his passion for the performing arts. He produced several music albums with various artists, wrote screen plays and used his original poetry, such as “My Toxic Reality” to enforce his message of environmental justice. His autobiographical book, “A Lethal Dose of Smoke and Mirrors” depicts Hilton’s life prior to answering the call of Environmental Justice activism. Since then, Hilton has helped inspire and write several other books: “The Sacrifice Zones: The Front Lines of Toxic Chemical Exposure in the United States” by Steve Lerner, “Visit Sunny Chernobyl: And Other Adventures in the World's Most Polluted Places” by Andrew Blackwell and an upcoming book by Jim Blackburn. For more information about Hilton Kelley and CIDA Inc., visit www.CIDAInc.org

Q. Who or what inspired you to serve in the U.S. Navy?

A. I was inspired to join the NAVY when I was watching a News report back in 1979. There was a report concerning a U.S. fighter jet being shot down while flying over Iran. The pilot was captured and killed. The Iranian military had also taken over the U.S. embassy and they took all remaining Americans in the embassy as hostages. As I continued to watch the news day after day and I saw how they were treating the U.S. hostages, I felt compelled to do something to help bring our citizens home. So, I joined the Navy to go and help fight to free the U.S. hostages. I served from January 1980 until January 1986. After that, I was honorably discharged.

Q. To who or what to you owe your success?

A. I owe much of my success to my mother. My mother was a very positive woman and she believed in providing various opportunity avenues for her two boys to choose a direction in life. My mother, Bernadine, was a single mother and life was hard for her, but she always found away to support all of my brother and I endeavors. From getting into the Boy Scouts, being in the marching band, to playing high school football. Even when we wanted to take Karate classes, momma made it happen. In doing so, me and my brother met great mentors along the way like My high school drama teacher, Mr. Henry Mase. Our Boy Scout Master, Mr. Cornelius Mitchell, took our Boy Scout troop to camp every year, Troop 42. I made Eagle Scout when I was 16. My mother was a determined, fair woman. Believe me, when I got a spanking from her, I earned it. She was slow to anger and very forgiving. She knew how to keep me and my brother on track. I miss her dearly.

Q. What advice do you have for recent high school graduates from the city of Port Arthur? 

A. If I were to give any advice to the High School Class of 2020, I would tell them: In life there will be many challenges. There will be ups and downs, but there will also be sunny days; days you will wish would never end but end they must. Life is what you make it and anything worth having is worth working hard and fighting for. I would ask of them to remember that no man or woman is an island unto themselves, we all need and have had someone to help guide us along the way. In this existence called life, and as they steer through it, I would tell them to always have a destination. 

Never drift aimlessly like a boat without a rotter, choose the island or direction which you want to go and set sail! If you get to that island and you find you don’t like that which you have found and there is nothing there which you should concern yourself with, then get back into your boat and set sail again and again until you find that island which was meant for you. We all have a gift which we can use to serve in some capacity and there is someone out there waiting for your services. Keep in mind, “you are the only one on the planet identical to you in every way and no one else can do it the way you will.”  

Q. What do you believe your hometown is missing and what are suggestions for improving the community?

A. I believe the city of Port Arthur, Texas is missing a plan of action, direction and the leadership is lacking in the fortitude to move the city forward. If we want to make our city a great place to be and to raise a family, we must grow our economy by investing in its people in the true sense of the word. We must attract new businesses to our city which can provide good paying jobs and not pollute the environment. Let’s find ways to help the local residents start businesses as well. 

We should use the tax dollars we get from local industries wiser and make sure that everyone doing business in Port Arthur, Texas and around Port Arthur, Texas are paying their fair share of taxes. It is also critically important that federal grant applications are filed in a timely fashion. Many financial opportunities have slipped through our local government hands due to the fact they don’t have the expertise to do the job. We need proven trained professionals in key positions.

Q. To date, what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been? Why?

A. My biggest accomplishment was negotiating a $4.7 million dollar settlement  which the city of Port Arthur, Texas still benefits from today. Because of the settlement, many young people were able to get free job training in the healthcare field and industrial field which lead them to great paying jobs. We also built a community health clinic in the low-income community in West Port Arthur, TX. At the present time, I am still a board member of the ‘Port Arthur Community Fund” and I am also a founding member.

Q. How has your business been affected by COVID19 and how have you worked to adjust to the new normal?

A. My business, like many others, is closed until we get through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have transitioned into a “Helping Hands Assistance Group” to our community. In other words, we look for opportunities to help those in need in our community. When it comes to food, clothing, home repairs etc. we match those in need with those who can assist. Also, when it comes to feeding those in need we’re always on the lookout for monetary support and resources to help fulfill that need. More often than not, we are successful.

Q. Why is community involvement so important to you?

A. Community Involvement is important to me because most of my work revolves around helping the people in our community and others that are in need of housing, clothing, education and job training. Also, in the political arena, when it comes to social and civic responsibilities, environmental justice, and civil rights, we aid in helping people navigate through the bureaucracy within local, State and Federal bodies so that their voices can be heard and policies/laws can be changed to help create a better quality of life for the citizens in an adverse situation; in many times it is due to no fault of their own. In order to move communities forward, the people from the communities must be at the table to tell their story and to help push the agenda forward and foster change.

Q. As a parent, how has the recent events of police brutality affected you and your family?

A. As a parent and grandparent, we have had the “talk” with the grand kids and made them aware of the hidden dangers within our society. I have been a victim of police brutality and racial profiling, but we learn to navigate as best we can in this forever changing world. With a new administration comes new tactics. 

Q. What is your favorite thing to do to unwind after a long day?

A. I enjoy going out and swinging out, it’s a couple’s dance. I also enjoy line dancing.

Q. What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was quoted saying, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This is one of my favorite quotes. 

Christopher “Chris” Senegal is a 36-year-old entrepreneur, currently focused on business development consulting, real estate investing, and passionately encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.  Born in Lake Charles, LA, he was a highly gifted student but was expelled from the 8th grade for selling alcohol at school (overcoming bad decisions is a part of life). Chris unexpectedly became a full-time father at 16, but he did not let it deter him from a successful future.

He earned a full academic scholarship for engineering to Southern University where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Post-baccalaureate, he worked in corporate America for 10 years, and concurrently invested in real estate beginning in 2009. After a promising corporate career in Engineering, Industrial Operations, Sales and Business Development, Chris left to pursue his entrepreneurial passions full time in 2015. 

Chris has been credited with facilitating several people into entrepreneurship and developing countless partnerships that created multiple income streams for others. He passion and focus has been on revitalizing communities and real estate development.

Q.  Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur? 

A.  After following all the rules, including attending college on a full academic scholarship for engineering and getting into the corporate world, I quickly realized I was sold a dream and it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the next 40 years.  So, I immediately began the quest to learn how to control my own income, time and legacy. I could not let anyone else dictate that for me.

Q.  What prompted you to enter the real estate industry?

A.  After starting with stock and options trading, I realized there were to many variables I could not control. Real estate was more hands-on, and I knew that 80% of first-generation wealth was created through real estate.  That was very attractive to me.

Q.  What are some challenges that you have faced as an entrepreneur and how have you handled them? 

A.  The biggest challenge that I have faced is knowing that if I don’t produce, then I don’t have income. There is no safety net.  I have done deals where I have lost money, but I treat those as entrepreneurial tuition.  Each loss taught me something that allowed me to excel at the next opportunity.  I always utilize those experiences to take a step back, adjust my approach and continue pursuing the goal.

Q.  A lot of people “talk” about “buying the block” and creating wealth in the Black community but you are actively doing it. What prompted you to take on that challenge?

A.  I was a “fix & flip” investor for a long time. I had rental properties for a long time before I realized that I was not tackling the bigger issue. I also realized that no one that looked like me was tackling the bigger issue. The bigger issue was gentrification. For me, it wasn’t about waiting for someone to show me how to do it. I was determined that I was going to figure it out. 

My focus began with figuring out how to control larger sections of the neighborhood. I started researching landlords that owned multiple blocks. Then, I negotiated with them to buy their entire real estate portfolios from them. That opened the door for me to be able to do the things that I am doing now. I was doing this before “buy the block” became a catchphrase.

I was just trying to revitalize the community on my terms, especially in a neighborhood that is already facing gentrification. You can’t stop the process. What you can do, is participate and control as much as possible so that we have accurate representation and control of certain parts of the neighborhood as the neighborhoods are being revitalized. 

Q.  As a Black man, how has the recent events of civil unrest affected you and your family and how do you cope with the issues of racial injustice?

A.  The current events exposed what we already knew was there. We do need a group that focuses on fighting injustices. That is very important. My focus, though, has always been on being a problem solver. We have a big group of Historians, a big group of debaters, and a small group of problem solvers. That’s my focus. Everything that I’ve been doing before this civil unrest started was all about empowering the community. 

Bringing economics back to the community, land ownership, real estate ownership, home ownership, and creating entrepreneurs in the community is my focus. Everything that is going on right now shows why we need all that. It shows why we need to own and control our own communities and be in the driver’s seat of creating jobs and building our own communities. This current climate has reinforced everything that I was already doing.

Q.  What is one thing that you know about being a business owner now that you wish you had known when you started?

A.  I did not need my own: 1. knowledge, 2. money, nor 3. credit.  In business, the most successful entities leverage the capital, experience and balance sheets of other entities.  When you can create a mutual benefit from all parties involved, a success curve is a lot shorter.  The stresses are a lot less because all the pressures to carry the weight in all categories isn’t just on you.  If I would have known this starting out, I could’ve focused solely on the responsibilities of running the business.  Knowing that I could’ve found the money and the team I needed based on them believing in me makes a difference.

Q.  If you could give an aspiring entrepreneur one single piece of advice what would it be and why?

A.  Read the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. That book was written by a newspaper journalist who interviewed the 100 most successful people alive at the time.  It was about the 13 principles and beliefs they all had in common.  These principles and beliefs are still 100 percent applicable today.

Q.  How has COVID19 affected your business and how have you adjusted to those challenges?

A.  Fortunately for me, COVID did not affect my business negatively. I have long-term stable tenants on the portfolio of rentals that I just bought. The two new construction homes that I had under construction are already sold. The real estate market in Houston hasn’t experienced a negative impact due to COVID19. Thankfully, a lot of my tenants have long-term stable employment and they were able to continue to pay their bills. I had a great relationship with them before, so they saw no need to take advantage of those opportunities to not pay their rent.

Q.  Entrepreneurs usually have very busy, long days.  How do you juggle all your ventures and activities?

A.  For me, every business venture I have is something that excites me and I’m passionate about. I enjoy every minute I spend doing what I do.  I focus on the solutions to the obstacles I face instead of throwing pity parties when obstacles occur.  I prioritize the important activities every morning and always stay flexible for unforeseen changes.

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A.  God first and my life’s circumstances, including becoming a teenage father.  My inherent drive for excellence and my passion to be an example to others who desire to become their own boss but need guidance from someone with a higher risk tolerance.  Some people need someone like myself to be willing to bump my head to prevent them from bumping theirs.

Rev. J. D. Roberts is a native of Beaumont, Texas. He attended Beaumont Charlton Pollard High School, Lamar University, and the Therapon Institute of Louisiana. As an entrepreneurial businessman, he has worked in retail auto sales, becoming one of the top 5 salesmen in the nation for Chrysler. Rev. Roberts overcame a traumatic illness, defying amazing odds against such success. In the process of battling his illness, he chose to work to help those less fortunate than he, by focusing on children. 

Out of this work emerged Save Our Children, Children in Motion, Inc., Roberts’ non-profit group. SOC’s stated goal is to “…Save Our Future with a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.” Through programs like, Know Your County Courthouse and Reading and Love Matters. SOC lifts children up through educational and experience-oriented activities. In addition, numerous scholarships and internships are provided to deserving students.

Pastor Roberts was humbled and excited to receive the Port Arthur MLK award in 2017. Roberts has been recognized multiple times by Stand Up for Texas Public Schools and the Texas Association of School Boards for his work with our local school children.

In recent years, Rev. Roberts has struggled with his wife’s illness as her primary caregiver and advocate, while simultaneously completing his master’s in Biblical Theories and obtaining his PCL (Pastoral Counseling License) in April of 2016. With six children of his own, Rev. Roberts clearly understands their need for nurturing in a world that clearly does not nurture all children. He maintains his perspective through the eyes of his own precious daughter, Hope, his heartbeat. Throughout his career, Rev. Roberts has had a passion for working with youth, especially disadvantaged youth. His work has helped literally thousands of children and young adults to have a better shot at a good life. In this process, Roberts has become a sought-after speaker. His experience in prison ministry and his work with SOC have provided him with remarkable insights into the human experience.

Pastor Roberts says he’s so thankful to God for giving him a Mother and Grandmother who believed in giving to those in need and with a sharing and caring heart. If you run into Pastor Roberts and ask him how he’s doing, no matter how he’s feeling, you’ll probably hear his favorite quote: I’m Holding On, Instead Of Hanging Up!

Q. Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

A. My Mother and my Grandmother.

Q.  What was the biggest challenge you faced while pursuing your goals and how did you work to overcome that challenge?

A. Getting people to understand there was a problem with our youth was one of the biggest challenges that I faced. I learned to allow God to have His way since He was the one who called me to do the work in the first place. Amen!

Q.  Why did you decide to create a nonprofit organization aimed at helping our youth?

A. I really saw a need for an organization like Save Our Children and I knew that I needed help to accomplish my goal.

Q.  Many people move away from small towns and never come back.  What suggestions do you have for your hometown to retain citizens?

A. I think that we need unity and transparency to keep our citizens from moving away.

Q.  How has COVID-19 impacted your business?

A. COVID-19 has tremendously impacted my organization. I have not been able to talk to and touch the kids in person. It is hard because most of the kids we deal with need that attention and encouragement.

Q.  As a business owner, what are your top three priorities?

A. 1) Trying to keep God first. 2) Understanding the needs of others. 3) Making sure that every child has a chance to make it if they want to.

Q.  How do you handle the stress of your day-to-day life?

A. I pray all the time and I always think about those who mean the most to me.

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey what would it be and why?

A. The only thing that I would do different is say yes to the calling earlier. I’ve learned how people really need to know God for themselves. 

Q.  What advice do you have someone who may be considering entrepreneurship?

A. Make sure that God is first in all that you do. And, when He bless you, don’t forget where your blessing came from!

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. I’m holding on, instead of hanging up! It means having patience to wait! 

Benjamin “Ben Collins Sr.” was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Hebert High School Class of 1978. Ben attended Lamar University and majored in Criminal Justice. He began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in 1981 as a Correctional Officer. In 1983, he was promoted to desk sergeant and graduated from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy in 1983 as a Deputy Sheriff. 

In 1984, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as shift supervisor in the corrections department. Mr. Collins served the sheriff’s department from 1981 until 1991. During that time he served as a Deputy Sheriff, D.W.I. Task Force Officer, Fugitive Warrant Officer, and Under Cover Narcotics Officer.

In 1991, he transferred to the Jefferson County Constable Officer where he has served for the last 22 years as a Deputy Constable, Lieutenant & Chief Deputy Constable. Mr. Collins retired from the Constable’s office in 2012 and returned to the Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff and Field Training Officer. He was elected as Justice of the Peace in 2019 for Precinct One Place Two, becoming the First Black Justice of the Peace for Precinct serving the north and west end areas, Bevil Oaks, Northwest Forest, Willow Creek and the Washington West area Beaumont.

Q. Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in Law?

A. I have always wanted to be a police officer since I was kid. I have positive role models in my life as Law Enforcement Officers like Buster Turner, Eddie Cole and Eddie Collins. I wanted to pursue a career where I could help my community and be a positive change by helping others and giving back.

Q. As a successful Black man, what do you think is needed to ensure more Black young men become successful?

A. To ensure more Black young men become successful, I believe we need more Black mentors and positive role models.

Q. Why do you think giving back to the community is so important?

A. I believe that by giving back to the community we return the help that was once given to us. It helps our young people to rise up with a chance to become our future leaders and business owners.

Q. What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of pursuing a career in law?

A. My advice is simple, get your education because that is the key to success. Also, make sure your heart is in it to serve others. This job is not about just making money, it is more about the rewarding feeling of making a difference in someone’s life.

Q. What is one thing that you struggle with as a Judge and how do you work to combat that struggle?

A. The one difficult part of being a Justice of the Peace is conducting inquest (death investigations) when it involves the death of children. It is hard regardless if the death is by accident, homicide, suicide or natural causes. To deal with it I simply reflect on my belief and faith in God and pray for the strength to continue to give closure to the families.

Q. If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. If I could change anything in my community it would be to provide more career training and financial opportunities for our youth and young adults. This would help to keep more local, talented individuals in our community instead of losing them to larger cities with better financial opportunities.

Q. What advice do you have for citizens while we are experiencing the COVID-19 epidemic?

A. My advice to citizens during this COVID-19 epidemic would be to follow guidelines given by the authorities, the CDC and just use common sense. 

Q. What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

A. I would tell my 18-year-old self to stay in college and complete your degree before going into the workforce. Working full-time while attending college is extremely stressful.

Q. If you could switch careers, would you? If yes, what would you like to switch to?

A. I would not switch careers because I really enjoy helping others and giving back to my community and working with area charities. Performing weddings brings joy to the couples and their families. Now, I make the bride and groom judges for the day. The get to sit on the bench and hit the gavel for photos. I also have the Junior Judge Program where I mentor kids and make them junior judges. I recently obtained a robe for the kids to wear for photos to make it more memorable. 

Q. What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. My favorite motivational quote is from Dr. Martin Luther King—“If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But, whatever you do, just keep moving forward!” It simply reminds us that life moves forward and not backwards, regardless of what you’re going through. Just keep moving forward!

Daylyn Turner currently holds the position of Vice President of Operations for JK Chevrolet and operates as the General Manager for JK Subaru. In 2003, he decided to attend college at Lamar University and majored in business. 

Daylyn graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Business Finance. He continued to invest his life experiences and used his retained knowledge to his advantage. He went on to advance in the auto industry. 

Daylyn’ s drive and focus soon became noticeable to others. His notability gained him a nomination for “40 under 40 Professionals” in 2013 by South East Texas Young Professionals organization. He was also recognized by U.S. Congressman Randy Weber. He became heavily involved in his community and has served on various local boards including the Jefferson County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and Beaumont Main Street. Daylyn also sits on the board of directors for Lamar University’s college of business with Dean French and is a recent graduate from the National Automotive Dealer Academy in Tysons Corner, Virginia. 

During his time outside of work, Daylyn enjoys being a Dad, driving sports cars and motorcycles along with exploring nature and sports. He constantly seeks opportunities to take his bike out on a nature trail. 

Q.  What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment? Why?

A. My greatest accomplishment has been my desire to maintain a sense of purpose along with my relationship with God. When I wake up every single day I aim to improve and become a better person so I can be a better blessing to my family, my community and myself.

Q.  What is your educational philosophy?

A. My educational philosophy is that you are what you eat (physically) and you are what you read (mentally). Education is all around us, pay attention to what life can teach you. We all will make mistakes in learning, but you can fail your way to the top if you invest your lessons in your future, and don’t repeat those same mistakes again and again. Learn all you can from who you can, never stop learning you NEVER arrive.

Q.  As a successful Black man, what do you think is needed to ensure more Black young men become successful?

A. Black people have been, in most accounts, severely disenfranchised in this country. Most of our wounds come from our history here in America, as a race of people no doubt. However, a lot of our wounds are now unfortunately self-inflicted. Young people don’t really know their role as a man because so many before them have not taken the time to teach and represent a positive image for them to follow. For young black men to become successful they will need more than television, athletes and music video representation. They need to be able to define true success beyond images of big homes, expensive cars, diamonds, clothes and women. Positive relationships with their families, their communities and churches are vital all through life. 

We really need more programs in our respective communities and churches that allow young men to dialogue with older men that look like them about what real issues they deal with today. They need to dialogue with men who have their various social status and economic status, but ultimately have a well-balanced view of life. They especially need the older men that have made some mistakes but overcame them with Gods power and the will and determination to make something of themselves. 

I also think it is necessary to involve them in community clean-up efforts, participate more in political matters along with city, state and federal agendas. It takes a village to raise a child, we must as a community truly understand that and cultivate a foundation and culture of focusing on investing in our young men and women.

Q.  Why do you think giving back to the community is so important?

A. I believe that giving back to the community is so important because it lines up with the laws of sowing and reaping. We have been supported by our community in some way as we were maturing into adulthood, it is important to never forget those that helped us along the way. It also sets a great example for others and promotes a culture of giving which in turn helps so many other people on their independent journeys with hopes of becoming great.

Q.  Who or what inspired you to work in the auto industry?

A. It is definitely no secret that my mentor and advocate for the automotive industry was ultimately championed by my father, Robert L. Turner. He encouraged me from high school through college to keep an open mind about this industry and it was always inspirational to see how impactful he was to the local communities we have lived and served in as well as the automotive and business world which he has contributed to greatly over the past 35+ years.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of pursuing a career in business?

A. Enjoy and have FUN with whatever it is you decide to do. Learn all you can from those that are successful in whatever business venture you are aiming to pursue. When things get rough/tough because THEY WILL, DON’T QUIT! Quitters never win, winners never quit. See it through, make appropriate adjustments and tweaks when necessary and adapt to change. Don’t end up in a situation like big brands. Some may remember Blockbuster, Toys R’ Us and Sears. Many could argue they would still be in business today if they were flexible and met new market demands. When the market shows you how they want to do business, pay attention to the signs and give the market what they want so you secure yourself a future in business.

Q.  What is one thing that you struggle with as a business man and how do you work to combat that struggle.

A. Currently I struggle with work and homelife balance. In a very competitive industry, it is easy to find yourself living at the dealership. Being a father is a highlight of my life, so taking time to also invest in my kids to ensure they understand that they are very important to me is necessary. I take a long weekend off each month to focus on them and I try to do what they enjoy doing no matter if it is just playing with dolls, riding bikes, playing video games or taking them on a memorable trip somewhere they want to go.

Q.  If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. Well I grew up in a small community outside of Dallas called “The Colony.” If I could change anything about it, I would say slow down on the growth. I don’t even recognize the place anymore. It is so large now compared to how it was when I lived there. I don’t believe they would listen to me about that though. (lol)

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey, would you? Why or why not?

A. If I could give advice to my younger self, the only thing I would repeat is what my Dad (mentor) always tried to get me to understand. Always go with your first mind! When you have intuition about a decision, if something doesn’t feel right, or if you get the inclination to take action on something, DO IT! Don’t wait, don’t go back and forth about it. Do it now and don’t worry about how, just focus on the why. Why are you about to do what you have an inclination to do? Who will it help and is it important enough for you to see it through? God will handle the how as long as you combine some work with that faith in your (why) and keep pushing, knocking down any barrier that would try to stand in your way! My biggest failures in life have come from me not listening to my internal wisdom about critical business and life changing moments and taking action on it without wavering.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. I have many quotes I live by. If I had to pick one I would say my favorite quote is by a master speaker by the name of Zig Ziggler who said “You can have what you want in life, if you can just help enough people get what they want in life.”

Jacob Brooks has worked at Silsbee ISD for almost 4 years and at the Hardin County Boys & Girls Club for almost 2 years. He is the Unit Director of the Hardin County Boys and Girls Club in Silsbee, a nonprofit organization. Through his position(s), he has been able to help a large number of students within the school system and club. 

As part of Silsbee ISD, Jacob has worked hard for the Silsbee basketball program assisting them with achieving back-to-back class 4A Texas state championships. He is a very strong believer that the kids of today will change the world of tomorrow. Jacob resides in Silsbee, Texas.

Q. Who or what inspired you to work with children?

A. My father inspired me. His community service work and coaching for 20 plus years made me want to follow in his footsteps.

Q.  What is one of your biggest challenges as a mentor and educator and how do you work to defeat those challenges?

A. The biggest challenges I face is there not being enough time in the day. I have so many kids I want reach but I understand that there is a process.

Q.  What is one thing that you know now that you wish you had known when you started working in your current position?

A. The ability to understand the process takes longer than expected.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of pursuing a career in public service?

A. Go for it. We need everyone to help if we are going to change the world. 

Q.  Why is community service important to you?

A. I value my community. I want the best for the kids so that they can have more opportunities to succeed in life.

Q.  As someone who is in the education field what is one thing that you wish parents understood about educating children?

A. Learning does not stop at school. Kids need repetitive practice every single day, not just during school hours.

Q.  If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. I wish there were more economic growth. With more growth comes more jobs available in town for citizens 

Q.  Would you ever consider switching careers?  If so, what other careers interest you?

A. I do not think I would. I am serving my purpose so it does not feel like work to me. I am living my truth. It is a joy to do the work I do!

Q.  If you had the power to change anything about your journey would you? Why or why not?

A. I would not change my journey. It has molded me into who I am. I realize I am exactly where God wants me to be.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. “When people can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it.” – Chris Gardner

It is so powerful to me you have ability to control your destiny, just go do it do not wait on anyone just attack your dreams and goals.