In the previous post that highlighted Pastor Barry Winston, I’d mentioned his son- Nate Winston. Upon meeting him, I could see that he was as genuine as his father, serious about ministry, and making a positive difference in both his community and the world. Both of these gentlemen were such a joy to interact with. Please get to know Nate through his powerful story, below!

As I sit and reflect on the brutal racial injustices and senseless antagonization of black men in our country, I can’t help but think of the overwhelming responsibility I feel to speak up. I feel obligated not only to encourage all kings, but to offer a sense of hope and encouragement. Rather than focusing on my personal accomplishments and achievements, I am compelled to use my voice to offer realistic solutions for these endless problems plaguing our black communities. Undoubtedly, we must get to the root of the ill treatment and negative portrayal of black men. I choose to be a part of the solution, instead of being a part of the problem. I have thought long and hard about how I can add value to my community.

Growing up I was very inquisitive, I knew there was much more. I definitely made up my mind at an early age that I wasn’t going to stop until I found that “more”. I always wanted to see the world, experience new things, but most importantly I knew I had a purpose. Although it would take a bit of time to discover that purpose, I would still encounter many obstacles that would side track me from my purpose. For a brief time, I allowed peer influence and poor decision making to misguide me. Thankfully, I got back on track before it was too late. I was able to realize that I was born to succeed and I was born to be a leader.

A big part of my influence in life is my family. I always felt well connected and had a strong relationship with my parents. I believe that family is our foundation. I would soon learn that everyone wasn’t as blessed as I was especially when I was in high school. My father would always remind me to be very careful who I allowed into my life because everyone doesn’t have the same parental guidance as I did.

I am blessed to have parents that believe heavily in prayer and often, I find myself embodying those same attributes. It’s only prayer that will equip me for this task that weighs so heavily on my heart. As a young man, I was always afforded the opportunity to succeed. Not only did I grow up in a Christian home, but I attended excellent schools and I had a phenomenal support system of family members and friends. I remember when I first realized the importance of what true success really was. I also recognized that there were many young people my age who didn’t have access to these opportunities and resources. As I reflect on making an intentional decision to be successful, I soon discovered that it would take a lot of hard work and commitment. As this exploring and research began to launch me further into a journey of discovery, my quest for learning only became more intense. I quickly concluded that my amazing discoveries would help me to ultimately excel in areas that others would only dream about. I also found out how I could navigate through life situations that others would no doubt drown in. After much exploration and soul searching, it finally boiled down to one reason. My father! My father would prepare me for life’s lessons, even at a early age. He is the reason why I am able to walk in confidence and face life boldly. I’ve had countless of friends who did not have a real-life example as their father. So without such a mentor and example, they ran into roadblocks that often presented hard life lessons. I have truly learned the value of having a positive male role model and I’m thankful I didn’t have to figure out life on my own.

One revelation that I have come to learn about life is, greatness is something we all have within us and it is only waiting to be manifested. I’m thankful that I was afforded the opportunity to learn this valuable lesson at a young age, even though I made mistakes along the way. I was surrounded by positivity and plenty of encouragement. My father has been consistently my motivator and encourager throughout my journey.

Each day I find myself reflecting on how I can build upon our great ancestors’ tenacity and bravery, to bring about real and lasting change. I sincerely desire to be a “change agent” in my community, a person who stands up for justice. I am not naive to think that change will come by osmosis. However, I am confident that if I, along with other concerned young black men would make a conscious decision to stand up for social justice in our black communities, change will occur.

It’s hard to be committed when you don’t have a relationship with the king of kings. Call me old fashioned, but I still believe every man, especially black men need a genuine relationship with Jesus. Without Jesus I would still be lost, prone to figuring out things on my own. Yes, I love to enjoy life, travel to different countries, and explore business opportunities. Those things are important, but I’m also an active member of a Christian community that says without shame, life is better when the Lord is your priority. I am so glad that Jesus is in my life. I truly believe we all have what it takes to be a king. The potential is in all of us. I am using my voice to help other black men to discover the king in them.

I simply want to encourage young black men, we all carry a measure of greatness waiting to be birthed. I also want to encourage black men as fathers, to step up and be the role model kids so desperately need.

Meet the 2nd Half of the Father & Son Duo- Mr. Nate Winston