HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
While recruiting in underserved neighborhoods as a collegiate football coach, I witnessed the void created by absent fathers and observed the correlation to criminal behavior. My desire to stand in the fatherless gap swelled, prompting me to leave the coaching profession.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MY CAREER
Completely having faith in God to be who he says he is and do what the scripture says he will do. In the midst of my trials and tribulations, to serve God’s purpose without visible or tangible resources.
ONE PRACTICE I USE TO MAINTAIN MY MENTAL HEALTH
I combine praying and fasting for mental and physical wellness. Praying is soothing and fasting empowers me to deny myself of selfish desires. Understanding what I need to sustain on earth is often different than what I desire to have.
THE FIRST THING I DO TO COURSE CORRECT WHEN I HIT A WALL
Pray, fast, repeat!
NONPROFIT I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT
The Derek Olivier Research Institute for the Prevention of Gun Violence was birthed in 2016. The Institute was created as a direct response to Derek’s violent death in 2012 in the Arkansas Baptist College community as well as to bring awareness to the daily homicides of Black males in America.
WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO MY JOB EVERY DAY
Identifying root causes that birth the dysfunctional cycles of crime responsible for homicide being the No. 1 cause of death for Black males ages 1 to 44 and the second leading cause of death for Black females ages 1 to 19.
IN THE DETAILS
Hometown: Little Rock
Last Local Purchase: Car for my son
Natural Talent: Ability to share my passion and conceptualize the big picture
How I prepare on Sunday for the week ahead: I cherish a Sunday afternoon nap to get ready for Monday.
Favorite Local Dish: Fried Southern seasoned catfish with hot sauce and tartar sauce
Hobbies: Reading, writing and working with underserved and socially challenged youth
501.420.1201
dereko.org
1621 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Little Rock
