is a historian, author, and lecturer on the history of Africa and the African people. His research included trips to both western and northern Africa as he continues to explore topics and conversations. He has volunteered in education for more than 30 years, serving as a mentor, lecturer, consultant, lunch buddy, coach, advisory committee member and community advocate. He has visited more than 150 groups and has shared information on topics that promote greater cultural awareness on Africa's true history. In addition to his books, he also has written over 200 poems and 4 plays
 
He is the co-founder and board member of the Community Math Academy, which was founded in 2007 to provide full summer scholarships for middle school and elementary school students in Cleveland County to study, explore and develop stronger math skills. He has provided information and liaison duties for several counties in North Carolina interested in developing the academic progress of minority students.

He currently serves on the Cleveland County United Way Board of Directors. He has served as a member of the Cleveland County Schools Closing the Achievement Gap Advisory Committee and he also served as a member and past chairman of The Cleveland County Arts Council.
 
A graduate of North Carolina A & T State University, he worked for 33 years for the former Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo Bank) in Charlotte, NC before retiring. He is also a graduate of the BAI School for Banking held at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
 
He is married to Denise Harrill and they live in Shelby. They are the proud parents of three sons.