What are you most passionate about?

I don't know that I'd say I'm "most" passionate about this but it's definitely one of my greatest passions - helping my [Black] people, my community.

When did you realize that these were your passions?

I realized this was one of passions at several moments throughout my life including high school when I got to travel throughout the world and see different types of people in different parts of the world, in college as a Black studies minor, and my adult life educating and teaching in mostly Black communities.

What gives you the strength to pursue your passions?

What gives me the strength to pursue this passion is knowing the history of my people and knowing and understanding the potential we as a people have to continue to do great things and make amazing contributions to the world.

Describe one of your proudest moments. Describe a hardship and how it was overcome.

Some of my proudest moments include seeing the seeds I’ve planted in the younger generation grow and flourish - whether that seed is my 9 year old son or any of the thousands of students I've had the pleasure of teaching and learning from throughout the years. I'd say a "hardship" I've encountered associated with this is seeing people not living up to their potential and using the power they possess. Sometimes it's hard to see greatness in people when they don't recognize it in themselves - it's frustrating.

What advice do you have for people who are too afraid to follow their dreams?

Nike (just do it)

How do you want to be remembered? In other words, what is your legacy?

Ultimately I'd like to be remembered as someone who cared about others and wanted to make a positive change. It's cliché but I really do believe change starts with us and we really do have the power to make changes but we must BE the change first.

How did fatherhood shape your understanding of yourself in relation to your passion?

Fatherhood has shaped who I am because the moment I brought another life into this world I instantly became much more invested in the world and felt a responsibility to at least try to make it a little better for the life I brought into it. My entire perspective about the world and life changed once I had my son - I had to make it better for him. I also became a dad and a teacher around the same time so the two milestones definitely influenced the other.

Name a lyric/quote or work of literature that personifies your passion.

"Life’s most persistent question and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Marin Luther King.

Lada: Ayala was one of my high school teachers and was very influential in my growth and confidence. He, by being himself, encouraged me to be humble and honest with myself and others. Despite me being class clown, he encouraged me to take my work serious as well, balancing the two as both were important to me. Thank you so much for you time and dedication to the youth, Ayala!