Passion
I can still recall the words of my late grandmother: āSkills cost one dollar, but passion is pricelessā. She firmly believed that my passion for numbers and my willingness to help people discern the value of the dollar was a gift from above. Her words of encouragement spurred my passion for fulfilling my purpose, and in the end, it became my profession.
My fascination with numbers and structuring capital solutions helped propel my professional career and what I call my personal passion projects.
Finding your passion is not just about finding a career or making money. It is about finding your authentic self and applying your God-given talents in a way that will impact lives today and in the future.
This is why I was honored and humbled when I was approached by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to help them bridge capital to acquire and develop their urban community landmark projects.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (ESNM) is dedicated to exploring and displaying the stories and contributions of African Americans in the military by way of performing and visual arts, educational programming, and exhibitions.
In 2010, I was invited by the founder and president of BSNM, Captain Paul J. Matthews, to be a part of the Legacy and join their fundraising committee. In this role, I would contribute my time and talents to help the organization secure bank debt and solicit donations to fund the acquisition and renovation of the historic Light Guard Armory building Located at 3816 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77004.
The BSNM purchased the property in 2008 and was required by the City of Houston to renovate it and bring it up to code within a designated period. The task required a collective push from the advisory board, community members, and other various organizations that valued the mission and vision of the BSNM.
In the famous words of military historian Captain Paul J. Matthews and the Buffalo Soldiers, āReady & Forward.ā
WABC
It is the mission of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (WABE) to be a worshipping, witnessing, and welcoming congregation who are committed to a spirit of excellence in praise of the Almighty God through Jesus Christ.
In 2015, I received a call from a lifelong friend asking if I would join the WABC finance committee as co-chair of Lending. This rote meant I would contribute my time, talents, and treasures to help the organization secure and structure the Lending solutions required to build the sanctuary and multi-purpose buildings located at 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004.
The campaign was entitled āBuilding For The Futureā, and what was initially supposed to be a two-year dedication became a five-year commitment. The timeline was extended for many reasons, including the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic.
After 42 years of spiritual leadership in the congregation of WABC, Pastor William A. Lawson announced his retirement in the anniversary worship on June 6, 2004. As God had preordained in His will and through His benevolence, the congregation elected the pulpit committeeās sole candidate, the Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby.
In the famous words of Rev. Marcus D. Cosby. āI have a funny feeling and a sneaky suspicion something great is about to happen.ā
FAMILY LEGACY PROJECT
Husband and father of three, Jeff and his wife Micole, started The Butterfly Clothing Project Inc. in 2015. The non-profit aims to create a sense of inclusivity and optimism by providing clean, suitable clothing for ages K-12, believing every child deserves dignity and the confidence to succeed.
We strive to build self-confidence and self-esteem within children by preventing bullying at its most basic level, allowing them to become their best selves now and in the future. Every child deserves a chance!
