DJ Judah

I have been working with the Texas Empowerment Academy in Austin, Texas. They are unique in that they teach in a Afrocentric setting that teaches them who they are. The Principal is David Nowlin. He has made sure that every adult on staff is engaged in the learning process. There are two things that stood out to me. One was the fact there was black men in the class room. The other was how professional the arts program was. Had I known about this program when I lived in Austin, I may have never left! Let me know what you think

Loading mentions Retweet

Since I am the only black guy in my office, I have been tasked with developing the Workplace Diversity program. I DO NOT have a background in Workplace Diversity so I set it up my way. I wanted the people in the office to have the black experience in the workplace. So I bought out my DJ equipment!! My meetings are held behind the turntables. From time to time I will DJ during lunch to get morale high. From what I have been told, sales go up a little bit during that time. At the end of my morning meetings, to make sure the staff gets the full black experience, I pass an offering plate!! Last time I got over $15.00 in the plate. I think they are learning how we do it in the black community! They even responded when I said "Somebody say HO, Say HO HO!!" and can I get a "AMEN".....Do you have a DJ in your office?

                           

Loading mentions Retweet

Most people who know me are aware that Austin is my favorite city. I moved there from Long Beach, California when I was a teenager. It took me a while but I grew to love it. I joined the Air Force and served 7 years. Upon my discharge, I moved back to Austin and started a business. My organization started growing as well as my family. I started to notice that I was normally the only black business person in the room. It did not bother me at all. What did bother me was there were no other black families for my children to connect with. Austin is a melting pot but only 6% black. While I love diversity, I believe you have to know your own culture first. In Dallas, the African American culture is evident. My daughter is in a all teen black play company at The African American museum. My son has had a private lesson on drums with Lil John Roberts (Janet Jackson's drummer). My son's baseball coach used to play for the New York Yankees. He plays in an historical African American community - Oak Cliff. In fact - In every sport he plays, the kids look like him. The day after the 2008 Olympic Basketball Gold Medal game, we were sitting on the front porch of our loft building. We seen a dude who looked like he was 7 feet! He had on an Olympic sweat suit AND a gold medal!! It was Dallas native, Chris Bosh!! He was actually on the front page of the Dallas newspaper and didn't know it! These opportunities do not exist in the African American community in Austin. So while my heart my be in Austin, my family and me are in Dallas!!

Follow Me ON Twitter: @djjudah
Facebook: www.facebook.com/troynalls

6vceh7gbfq

             

Loading mentions Retweet