Excellent Challenges in School, Sports and Life Inspire Stellar Achievements

Presentation prepared for High School Athletes

Christian Life Center, Humble Texas

Sometimes it takes hindsight to realize the value of certain obstacles and challenges in our lives. When I look back over my life, I realize that it was good that I attended segregated schools in Texas. Those experiences prepared me to see the excellent challenges in the world. Those challenges were overcome by preparation and prayer. Those challenges inspired me to see beyond myself and to recognize that provisions were made for me. Through Jesus Christ, I can do all things.

My father, Rev. E. W.  and my mother, Mrs. C.  taught me that “All things work together for good….” I believed them. Obedience to that belief has catapulted me to be a part of some great experiences in my career.

Many people argue that nature overrules nurture. It is difficult for me to weigh one above the other. I do know that I benefited from both nature and nurture.

When I think of Jeremiah 29:11, I know that God has a plan for my life. The gifts some say I have are God-given.  I must be a good shepherd of those gifts. I, therefore, must study and hone those gifts.

The Bible also teaches me that “to whom much is given, much is required.” Therefore, I must share and teach. I must impart and inspire.

The mathematics teacher who inspired me to pursue excellence was Mr. E. Henry, a former university professor from Prairie View A & M University, a historically black university. He would challenge me to study the core curriculum and to study abstract mathematics when I was in the eighth and ninth grades. He challenged me to build a physical model of the conic sections, using strings and cardboard. Then, he gave me the general equation of a plane and of a right circular cone. Upon tweaking the parameters or coefficients of the plane, it would change the direction of the plane as it intersected the right circular cone. Each direction would generate a different conic section. There are six conic sections. They are

1. Two intersecting lines
2. A point, which is trivial
3. Hyperbola
4. Ellipse
5. Circle
6. Parabola

Under the tutelage of Mr. Henry I was invited to attend a National Science Foundation (NSF) Summer Institute for Talented Students in mathematics. Since Texas was segregated at that time, back in the 50’s all of the students were African American. Of the thirty students, I ranked No. 2 the first year. I returned for a second summer and I was ranked No. 1 in mathematics.

These memories are treasures of the challenges I encountered. I sometimes gauge the value of those challenges by looking at the accomplishments of those in the NSF program. One of the students was Garland E. Wood who eventually became the first African American partner of Goldman Sachs. Wood is mentioned on page 3 of the book titled, “The Culture of Success.”

The rigorous study of mathematics opened doors for me. The Bible says, “A man’s gift will make room for him and bring him before great men.”

Those words ring true in my life and career. As a college professor I have taught mathematics at

1. State University of New York, Stony Brook’s Urban Center
2. Columbia University’s Urban Center.
3. Texas A & M University, College Station (during doctoral studies in mathematics and interdisciplinary engineering)

If I had not done my homework or read the books to get a thorough understanding of the definitions and theories in mathematics, I would not be sharing the richness of my career with you.

I believed people when they said that “Knowledge is power.”

I studied. Why? To gain more power.

I studied those things that were both intellectual and spiritual. Why? Because I know that without the grace and mercy of God pursuing me, and the Word of God being a shield around me, I would not be able to stand and share, today.

Do you want to do great things? Do you want to see great places? Do you want to experience your potential being matched by your performance?

If you do, then study and pray, “ora et labora.”

Your generation of students must stand on the shoulders of those who preceded you.

It is amazing to some to hear of the modest achievements in my life and career. A partial list includes:

1. Traveled in a Presidential entourage to Nigeria, Tanzania, and Egypt with President William Jefferson Clinton, in August, 2000.
2. Attended an international mathematics conference to Moscow, Russia, on October 3, 1993.
3. Experienced the conflict in Moscow, Russia when Yeltsin bombed the “White House” in Russia because hardliners opposed the transition to democracy in Russia, in 1993.
4. Served on the Board of Governors of the Mathematical Association of America.
5. Currently serving on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Mathematicians.
6. Matriculated four times, receiving four degrees in mathematics and English.
7. Written more than 500 articles on Sports and Mathematics
8. Ranked No. 3 in popularity and article “likes” out of more than 10,000 sports writers on Bleacher Report.

So, if you want to achieve in America or in this global society, you must prepare, study and pray for wisdom. It takes more than intellect and physicality to make it. It takes more.

At this school, you can learn what it takes to have a stellar career and a life exhibiting strong character.

Be encouraged and make a commitment to excellence. This is the motto of the Oakland Raiders, my favorite NFL team. It is the motto of the Al Davis, a man who has achieved excellence because of his commitment to excellence.

As a young athlete, you, too, can make a commitment to excellence. You can attain stellar achievements.

November 19, 2010