Welcome to the 186th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 185th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 185 - Senzwa Ntshepe’s work lies at the intersection of social impact and innovation, generating creative solutions to build opportunities for professionals of color. As the CEO and Founder of The Connect, a Philadelphia-based ecosystem builder for professionals of color, Senzwa has made it his mission to attract, retain, and develop young Black and Brown talent. By connecting professionals to the best Philadelphia has to offer, The Connect strengthens the city’s social and professional ecosystem and ensures diverse talent can find community and establish thriving careers in Greater Philadelphia. Under Senzwa’s leadership, The Connect now serves over 20,000 BIPOC professionals between the ages of 22-45, offering networking opportunities, AI-driven upskilling, and research-backed policy recommendations to make cities more inclusive and equitable for diverse professionals. Monthly meet-up events hosted by The Connect have experienced tremendous growth, now attracting over 400 professionals on average to foster connections and cultivate a sense of belonging. In the last year, The Connect has expanded to Washington, D.C., with chapters in development in Memphis and Maryland. Senzwa’s work has been sought after by Mayor Paul Young of Memphis and Governor Wes Moore of Maryland to establish The Connect chapters in their respective regions. This expansion positions The Connect as a subject matter expert in building equitable cities for Black and Brown professionals nationwide. Additionally, The Connect has advanced a research agenda in partnership with Reify Solutions to identify the factors that influence BIPOC professionals’ decisions to stay and build careers in Philadelphia. This research will serve as a critical tool for equitable development and retention strategies in the region. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 184th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 184 Born and raised in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Julian "JT" Dorsey @JTDF turned his love for soccer into a lifelong mission to empower underserved youth. A former professional soccer player in the USL Championship, JT leveraged his passion for the sport and his education in Elementary and Special Education from Loyola University in Maryland to create lasting change. As the founder and Executive Director of the JT Dorsey Foundation, JT works tirelessly to break down barriers to soccer, promoting health, education, and wellness for over 1,500 children annually in Pennsylvania. He also serves as the Grassroots Soccer Manager for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association and consults with schools and districts to support youth development. A dedicated advocate for equity in sports, JT is recognized for his impactful work, earning accolades such as the 2023 Black Soccer Coaches Local Legend Award, the 2024 EPYSA Service to Community Award, the 2024 Philadelphia Union Foundation Community Leadership Award and the United Soccer Coaches Black Coaches Award of Excellence. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 183rd Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 183 Charles Reeves @rac2 is a lifelong resident of Grays Ferry, a close-knit neighborhood in South Philadelphia. The son of a respected local activist, Charles was deeply influenced by his father’s legacy of community service. His father founded the Resident Action Committee to combat racism and injustice during some of Philadelphia’s most challenging times, ensuring that residents were treated with dignity and respect. Although Charles didn’t initially see himself following in his father’s footsteps, life had other plans. Over the years, he has become a powerful advocate for justice, equity, and community empowerment. His personal journey has included hard lessons and second chances, but through it all, his love for his people and his neighborhood has never wavered. Today, Charles dedicates his life to uplifting the next generation, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his neighbors, seniors, and youth. He believes in helping young people develop mutual respect, empathy, and leadership skills so they can build stronger, safer, and more united communities. Charles has been married to his wife for 42 years, and together they’ve raised five children and are now the proud grandparents of 18. He credits her unwavering support as the foundation of everything he’s been able to do. With a heart for service and a voice rooted in experience, Charles Reeves is committed to standing with, and fighting for, the future of South Philly. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 182nd Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 182 - Born and raised in the heart of North Philadelphia during the 1990s, Shermill Whiting @Mr_Hollandinc became a father at just 16 years old. Despite the challenges of his environment, Shermill’s journey defied expectation. Guided by the powerful influence of his mother and maternal grandparents, he learned early on that where you’re from doesn’t define who you are. Shermill’s grandparents owned and operated a personal care home, and as a boy, he watched them build, sustain, and grow their business with grit and grace. That experience planted the seeds of entrepreneurship deep in him. After attending Lincoln University, a storied HBCU, Shermill built a multimillion-dollar real estate empire under Whiting Real Estate Holdings, managing a portfolio that includes both residential and commercial properties. But he didn’t stop there—he honored his family legacy by weaving purpose into his business model. Together with his partner Jamie Whiting, he launched Holland Homes, a company that transforms his real estate holdings into dignified housing for people with disabilities and disabled veterans. His efforts forged partnerships with the Veterans Hospital, nursing homes, shelters, and other institutions across Philadelphia. In 2016, Shermill founded Holland Home Care Agency, LLC, built on the pillars of service, community, and giving back. Even in the face of COVID-19, he expanded, launching Holland Transportation (a medical transport company), Holland Village, LLC (a 34-bed personal care home), and Holland Property Management, LLC, which oversees the day-to-day operations of his properties. Today, Shermill leads a team of over 400 employees, making a real impact on the city’s economy and workforce. He’s a preferred provider for the City of Philadelphia, owns the properties that power his businesses, and was nominated for Titan 100 Philadelphia—a true testament to his vision and tenacity. Shermill never forgot where he came from. He continues to give back through community events, seasonal drives, and family-centered philanthropy. His biggest pride? Teaching his children the values of hard work, service, and generational wealth. “My evolution wasn’t without baggage. But with every experience, I unpacked the weight and placed each lesson in a drawer marked opportunity.” This is Shermill Whiting—visionary, builder, father, and proof that Black men not only survive, but thrive. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 181st Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. Episode 181 - A dedicated athlete and mentor, Bamm Jones @TheCoachBammExperience brings over a decade of experience as a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and a trusted coach in both sports performance and youth soccer. Passionate about the transformative power of sports, Bamm is committed to creating inclusive, empowering spaces where young athletes can thrive. His work centers on helping youth not only sharpen their athletic abilities but also build character, confidence, and a lasting love for the game. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 180th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 180 Khalif Harris is a seasoned Finance Professional with extensive expertise in increasing the efficiency and profitability of multi-billion dollar corporations, small businesses, and individual clients through strategic planning, cash management, and business process improvement. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the City Teaching Alliance, Khalif oversees all Financial operations, Information Technology, Human Resources and Marketing and Communication and compliance across the board. Previously, Khalif has held significant roles at Wake Forest University, Baptist Medical Center, Sears Holding Company, Global Brands Group and RoyceToo, LLC, where he led major initiatives in financial planning and analysis, supporting healthcare and retail operations and international brand strategies. Khalif is Philadelphia native, a holder of an MBA from Eastern Illinois University, BS from Hampton University and graduate of Central High School of Philadelphia (259). Khalif is also a Certified Healthcare Finance Professional and active in several professional and community organizations, including the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Finance Professionals and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/

Welcome to the 179th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 179 Emil Acolatse @emil_acolatse @_free99 @ghanatothemoon is Chemist works as a Senior Researcher for ExxonMobil. Born in Accra Ghana, moved to Philadelphia at the age of 8, Emil has always had the passion to help others. He has been as been a community leader for the past 10 years in Philadelphia providing mentorship, workshops and events. Currently sitting on the board several community-based organizations in Philadelphia, in 2015 he created F.I.R.E. (Free Inspiration Reaching Everyone a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Philadelphia. His vision and drive to is improve the conditions of his community as well as others. His goal for F.I.R.E. is to be a beacon of light thats networks and provide resources for all in need. In 2016 he was awarded the prestigious Made Man Award as an advocate for his impact on the youth in the city of Philadelphia. The work did not stop as he wanted to provide support and resources to his home land of Ghana. In 2017 Emil held his first basketball tournament in Accra Ghana at the historic Lebanon House. This is step in Emil's purpose to truly giving back to those in need. Emil has been running his non-profit organization for over several years contributing and collaborating with other organizations and community leaders in the Philadelphia to help the youth. Emil is thankful to be a servant of his community and plans to take his organization to the next level. In 2022 he is being awarded the University of Penn Medicine Community Hero award. He is focused on developing the organization by creating collaborations and partnerships was with like minded individuals and organizations with experience and integrity. “Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do”. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/