About Andre

My inspiration to start a blog, to create meaningful content, author a book, and to speak out or write about certain issues derives from an understanding that there is a need. Once I realized the need, I posed two questions to myself. Do I have a voice? And are you brave enough to use it? No, I’m not famous— what I am without a doubt is a man in search of the absolute highest expression of oneself. And yes, I do have a voice and I plan to use it purposefully. Often what I say may not be popular—however, I do speak truth to power. I simply am who I am, unapologetically.

Whether the topic is parenting, racial or social injustice, consumer finance tips or investing in the stock market, the conclusion is that my experiences and expertise in so many different genres in life could and should be shared with others. I’ve faced many obstacles and pushed through every one of them with unrelenting resilience and determination to succeed no matter what the situation.

This. Is. My. Why.

My Love for Family

Being a devoted and loving husband and dad are the most important roles I will play while I inhabit this earth—there is not even a close second for me. The absence of a father in the life of any human being carries with it a void that can almost never be filled for.

For me, it was my own childhood experiences that demand that I be the best daddy in the world. Is it difficult sometimes? Absolutely it is and no one is perfect. We all have our days and moments when we’re not at our best but being there to daddy is by far the most essential element to raising strong, resilient children. I’m a firm believer that many of the problems we face in the Black community can be solved if there were more fathers who stuck around.

I Have a Message Inside of Me

I’m a Black man just in case you didn’t notice from the photos. Being a Black man in America forces you to view the world a bit differently than most. When I look at the local news and witness how we are depicted, having shot someone, killed someone, or having been the unfortunate victim of a crime, I want more than anything to change this narrative. But I’m a nobody, so how will I be able to make a difference?

Then I discovered we’re all nobodies in a sense. We’re all a world full of nobodies—it’s just some people have chosen to express themselves in different ways and on different levels, this suddenly makes them a somebody. I have to put fear aside and garner enough strength and courage create the change I would like to see.

Honestly speaking, I’m shy, I’m not very boisterous, and I mostly keep to myself; not exactly the makings of the next MLK. So something would have to give right? Exactly! This is me making a conscious choice to express myself on the highest level possible in hopes that my little voice is raised one decibel at a time until it is heard by many. Time to level up!

I Go Hard, on Myself

I’m a self-admitting perfectionist and I’m not afraid to tell you. I do my best to channel it, to use it positively but it can be difficult to manage at times. I expect a great deal of myself and when things don’t go exactly the way that I envision—I am first in line to chastise me for it.

Over the years, I have gotten better. I’ve grown to realize that imperfection is part of growth, a way to learn more about yourself, and the best teacher for striving to improve in any area. My failures are like my personal trainers—they’re there for me to gain strength, endurance, and growth. I embrace my perfectionism.

I Love Sports

I grew up playing sports, idolizing Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson and years later, I’m still in love. Playing sports helped me to become a leader and formulated most of my knowledge when it comes to team concepts. In sports, you train and work your butt off to be successful. You practice your craft until it is perfected. Repetition is the father of success.

Sports is also further proof that people can come together for a common cause no matter the ethnicity, background, social economic status—and achieve the highest goals set forth. The team and its mission is always more important than the individual. We can be more successful if we learn to work together and place the emphasis on things we have in common and not our differences.

About that Life...

Living a fulfilled life is about family, serving others, and having fun in between. When you give of yourself, it’s amazing how much is poured back into you so that you can keep on giving. Sew good seeds and you’ll most certainly reap a bountiful harvest.

I Love to Give Back

There are so many people who could use a helping hand, sound advice, some motivation, or a push in the right direction. I wish I could do more. I’m a mentor, a member of some organizations whose primary goals are to invoke change to help those who are disadvantaged, and I still strongly desire to make even more of an impact.

Giving of yourself gives you a feeling of joyfulness and satisfaction that many will take for granted. I was asking some follow mentors why they chose to volunteer and every one of them had the same response—it makes us feel like we’re making a difference in the life of someone else. That my friends, is invaluable.

Andre the Mentor

Cayden is a super energetic 8 year old who was looking for a mentor. After seeing a piece on the local news indicating mentors were badly needed for a program called Team UP Mentoring, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been mentoring or coaching young men in some aspect or another for over 20 years and for me, it’s all about the potential impact and positive influence that might lead to a brighter future for these young men.

We play basketball, go to the library, hit up Dave&Busters, Chuck E. Cheese’s, and of course McDonalds to grab his fave meal. Most of all, I love our chats. He keeps me abreast on all things Fortnite, TikTok, and what’s happening at school. Cayden had to wait an entire year for a mentor–and there are currently more than 90 young men on the waitlist, most being Black. I am a huge advocate for any man who looks to make a difference in someone’s life or in the community to BE A MENTOR!

My Love for Writing

I fell in love with writing a few different times. The first time was in 9^th Grade in Mrs. Perry’s English Class. I remember it being so important for me to master things like, the participial phrase, the proper usage of a simile and metaphor, and how to really convey my thoughts not just orally, but in written form as well.

It would be a few years later after high school that I would fall in love once again with literature and writing. I was stationed in the Army in S. Korea and taking Mr. Dowling’s English 101 class. I had written about 2 papers by this point, and he pulled me to the side like only a very passionate English Professor would and said to me “Mr. Council—I think you have a great deal of potential as a writer and if you work at it, the sky’s the limit. However, I do have a suggestion for you, make sure you’re not holding anything back.” I will always remember that advice.

As I finished my degree over the next few years, I developed a style, a voice where I could really distinguish my writings from everyone else’s. Although the assignments required mostly writing geared towards academia, I pushed the envelope as much as I could get away with. Although I believe functional writing has a place, creative writing is my absolute heart. My favorite thing in the world is to read someone else’s creation or create my own. As a matter of fact, I’ve already started working on my next book which will be a novel this time around.

I want to change the world

I know, this goal is lofty to say the least but I want to change the world. I want people to be more empathetic, I want more young Black men to change the way they see their environment and be more likely to overcome and survive it rather than succumb to it, and lastly, I would love to put an end to racism in America.

How will you do this (one might ask)? Remember when I talked about my voice? That’s how! I have to create a platform, a place where I can grab my bullhorn and shout my message to the masses in hopes that it will inspire change, hope, and a sense of togetherness.

So how are you going to do this sir? By bringing awareness to certain issues, by sparking discussions with meaningful dialogue, and by persuading folks to search for the goodness in their hearts.