Participants: Arthur Nowlin (Host), Dr Kim Logan-Nowlin (Host), Antwan Knight
Series Code: MIW
Program Code: MIW000028
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00:01 Hi, I am Dr. Kim Logan-Nowlin.
00:03 And I'm Arthur Nowlin. 00:04 And welcome to "Making It Work." 00:38 Arthur, well, you know, 00:40 our topic today, "Beating the Odds." 00:42 What comes to mind when you hear, 00:44 "Beating the Odds?" 00:45 I think about, a fight. A fight? 00:48 You know, I think about, you know, 00:51 two heavy weights going together, 00:53 one is rated higher than the other. 00:55 Okay You know and I think about 00:57 all the trials and tribulations that come with that. 01:01 And the underdog wins. 01:03 The underdog wins. Yes. 01:04 You like it when the underdog wins? 01:06 You know, I think all America likes it-- 01:08 When the underdog wins. 01:09 Okay. Yeah. 01:10 I don't know, why we, 01:11 we just look for the underdog what we do. 01:14 Well, we here today on "Making It Work" 01:16 to introduce someone, 01:18 who is beating the odds, Antwan Knight. 01:20 Welcome to "Making It Work." 01:22 Well-- thank you. Appreciate you. 01:23 And that's all right, you well go-- 01:25 not a problem, you know. 01:27 Well, listen, let's talk about, who you are? 01:31 Tell our viewers who is Antwan Knight. 01:33 Yes. 01:34 Okay, well, I mean I was born 01:35 and raised in Detroit, Michigan. 01:38 I was raised by a single mother. 01:40 You know, I had the opportunity, 01:42 you know, when I was little 01:43 I got in trouble in school a lot. 01:45 I was very trouble. 01:47 I'm not those like missing the father 01:49 or you know I got in lot of trouble in school. 01:53 And then, you know, finally, as life, 01:55 you know, begins, progress and I saw, 01:57 some of the past my friends, my friends had taking, 02:00 you know some of them were killed, 02:01 some of them went to jail, 02:03 when I was at a very young age it kind of helped me, 02:06 you know, want to turn my life around. 02:08 Wow, wow. 02:09 Now, did you ever meet your father? 02:11 Yes. I had met my father. 02:13 He just-- it just a matter that relationship or you know, 02:16 didn't kind of want to be in my life, I guess. 02:18 I see. What about the siblings? 02:20 Do you have another siblings? 02:21 Yes. I have several siblings. 02:23 I've about 11 on my father's side, 02:25 and then I was raised, 02:27 with me my older sister and a younger brother. 02:30 Wow, big family. 02:31 Yes. Yes. 02:32 In meeting your father, you know, 02:34 well, let's talk about, how it made you feel 02:37 that you didn't grow up with your dad? 02:40 Well, you know, honestly, 02:42 at first it didn't really bother me 02:45 because it was kind of like the norm, 02:47 from where I was from. 02:48 Everybody in my blood, in my friends 02:50 don't have fathers, you know. 02:51 A lot of them were in jail, so it's kind of a norm. 02:53 I think that when it finally hit me 02:55 was when I attended Oakwood University. 02:57 And I was in line and I was waiting to try 03:00 to get cleared and I saw like everybody with their families, 03:03 and their mother and father. 03:05 And I was like, wow! 03:06 Like, is this, like what is supposed to be like? 03:08 But I never had even thought about it, 03:11 you know until you know, 03:13 I went into line at Oakwood University 03:15 and I just-- that picture just really, 03:18 well, it was like really eye opening. 03:20 All right, resonated within you. 03:21 Exactly. 03:22 Now did you go when you registered for school, 03:25 by yourself or did you mom go with you? 03:27 I went alone and that-- 03:29 like I said that was very discouraging you know, 03:32 gone in there, just not knowing 03:35 whether you had enough money to clear you know. 03:36 Not having anybody with you, you know. 03:38 Just having to go through all that and, 03:41 and Oakwood's process was very, 03:43 you know it was very difficult process to go through. 03:45 So it was very discouraging 03:47 and it was a lot to do so, by yourself. 03:51 Let me tell you what Oakwood University is. 03:54 It's one of our Seventh-day Adventist's schools, 03:56 in the North American division 03:59 where they offer an associate degree and, 04:01 and bachelor's degree and the master's program 04:04 in theology, where Antwan and I attended. 04:09 And so we are just wanting you to know 04:12 that this school is a good school 04:14 in Huntsville, Alabama. 04:17 During this process, being in line, 04:20 seeing the families, 04:23 it made you feel different you know. 04:26 But what was your motivation after that? 04:28 I mean, did you feel sad for a long period of time 04:31 or what happened? 04:33 Well, no I didn't feel sad for a long period of time. 04:36 It kind of made me, I think in the decisions 04:39 I've made regards to, you know, 04:41 how I'm going to handle myself, 04:42 you know spiritually and morally. 04:44 I think it really helped me think about that, you know. 04:45 I don't want to go out and just, 04:47 you know sit with a bunch of women, 04:49 just because, you know, I don't want to, 04:51 I want to make sure that the, do it the right way. 04:53 You know, wait, you know. 04:56 I wanted to make sure that, I think that kind of changed 04:59 my whole mindset regards to that. 05:00 You know, I want a family. 05:02 I don't want, you know, drama 05:04 and just having children everywhere, 05:06 where I can't take care of them. 05:07 So I think that was one of the biggest things 05:09 that it helped me understand, 05:11 helped me realize about myself, you know, 05:13 and what I was gonna do going forward. 05:15 Let me ask, the people in the neighborhood, 05:18 you know, after they, 05:20 they observed this transformation 05:22 that you was going through, 05:24 did any of them get motivated 05:26 to try to change their lives or anything? 05:28 Well, I can't say specifically no, 05:34 I know that some people were upset, you know. 05:37 And I think I had to deal with that aspect of it. 05:40 I remember one of my friends who had went to jail, 05:42 we were about 12-years-old, 05:44 and I remember when I was about, 05:46 we were about, I was about 20 around this time 05:49 and I remember, he got out and I said, 05:50 I called him like because I may, 05:53 you know, you make this big change, 05:54 but you know, I was here by myself all this time, 05:57 you know, I'm all having for you and all but, 06:00 you know, you kind of left me alone, you know. 06:02 I don't have anybody. 06:03 I thought we were friends, 06:04 I thought we grew up together and you left me. 06:05 So I was like, you know, 06:07 you go live your life and I'll live mine. 06:08 And so that kind of like was a, 06:10 you know, something I had dealt with that. 06:12 You know, it was kind of sad, 06:13 you know, because I really, you know this, 06:17 he was a really good friend of mine so. 06:19 So the communication broke down 06:22 after he was incarcerated? 06:24 Exactly, you know, because I was, 06:25 I was 13-years-old at that time. 06:27 So, you know, and he went... 06:29 for a very long time unfortunately so, 06:32 but I remember when I heard, 06:33 he was out I was so excited, you know. 06:35 I was like, may I talk to, you know but he just, 06:37 he just then won't have any part, 06:40 which I understand because you know, 06:41 you are in there by yourself, 06:42 thought you have friends, its kind of hard. 06:44 Let me ask you how close were you 06:46 on the brink of making that came down to a choice to be, 06:50 you know, proactive or not 06:52 how close were you getting in trouble in middle school, 06:55 elementary school, high school? 06:57 You were getting and, you know, mom was coming, 07:00 who, who was attending to you? 07:01 Was grandmother involved, grandfather involved? 07:04 Who said stop this nonsense and why? 07:08 Well, I think it was a combination of things. 07:10 Someone say first, you know, 07:12 my mother had got called up to school like everyday. 07:14 I would get suspended, I would get fights, 07:16 I would get kicked out, I would call in bomb threats, 07:19 all types of stuff, I got arrested. 07:21 And I remember one thing hit me. 07:25 I was on my way to-- 07:27 I was on my way back from Oakwood college days. 07:29 I experienced Oakwood college days 07:31 and that was like awesome. 07:33 And then I got a phone call on my way back 07:35 from my sister telling me that one of my friends 07:37 that I grew up with had been killed. 07:39 And like that really changed my mindset about life 07:44 and you know in itself. 07:45 And I was like wow, you know, one of my closest friends, 07:48 the person I grew up with, you know was killed. 07:52 You know, so how do you, how do you, 07:54 you know, adjust that? 07:56 So it was kind of like, I was, I was pretty sad, 08:00 but then it helped me change my life 08:01 because I don't want to go down the same path. 08:04 I see You know and I want to help people, 08:05 you know, so they'll be able to understand. 08:08 You know, you don't have to take this path. 08:09 Well, this is not your, this is not your life you know. 08:12 But, you know it's different. 08:13 So that the first, if you are saying, 08:15 I am going to beat the odds here. 08:17 You said right in there that phone call, 08:19 I must turn my life around. 08:20 Now you don't have any children. 08:22 You're looking forward to someday being married? 08:24 Yes. Yes. 08:25 You know, tell us about being single 08:26 and dating in the Seventh-day Adventist circle, 08:29 you know, what is that like for you? 08:31 Well, I think-- And did you date at Oakwood? 08:34 Yes. And you left single. 08:37 Well not necessarily. 08:38 Because you don't leave single from Oakwood. 08:40 Exactly, exactly. 08:41 But not necessarily, you know. 08:43 I think, you know, I dated before Oakwood. 08:46 I got really caught up because I'm association president 08:49 so I didn't have a lot of time, you know to you know, dive in 08:53 and really you know into a relationship like this. 08:56 So its kind of hard but and I'm very particular 08:59 about who I date too. 09:00 So it's like I'm very, I'm very what they call 09:03 conservative Adventist you know. 09:05 So I'm not being going to jewelry and things like that. 09:08 So, I am very particular and also I'm a vegetarian. 09:12 So you know I'm particular about that. 09:14 So its been a little hard to find, 09:16 you know, the correct person. 09:17 But I've been, you know, talking to people. 09:20 Well, let me, I just have to say some about that, okay. 09:22 Let me just go there a minute. 09:23 When you say you're very particular 09:25 and I was born and raised Seventh-day Adventist 09:26 and Arthur was Catholic, didn't none of you knew that. 09:29 So when I met him, he had the jewelry and he ate, 09:32 you know the unclean foods and things. 09:36 You did eat the shrimp, my baby? 09:37 Yeah. 09:38 You ate the shrimp and the lobster? 09:40 Yeah. You liked your lobster, okay. 09:42 It was finger licking good. 09:46 And so but, you know he had this beautiful onyx ring, 09:49 and he wore the cross necklace you know or do they, 09:52 men call necklace or chain. 09:53 But, you know, I was very particular-- 09:55 Wait a minute. I'm sorry. 09:57 What's your point? I'm going back to the point. 09:58 I was standing your ground. 10:00 Don't settle. And I didn't settle. 10:03 And you, the Holy Spirit converted you. 10:06 That's true. 10:07 And but do you having problems you know 10:09 because I wasn't going to do that. 10:11 But I'm a conservative Adventist also. 10:12 Yeah. 10:14 You know, but, you know what really stopped me 10:17 and helped me with my diet 10:18 was reading the book of Leviticus. 10:20 You know, when I read the things 10:23 that we were encouraged not to eat you know-- 10:26 Halleluiah. 10:27 That's, what really saved, motivated me to say, 10:32 "hey, maybe I shouldn't eat this, you know." 10:35 So and during that time 10:37 when I was meeting Kim and dating-- 10:40 This wonderful person. 10:42 Extraordinary person-- Ah, thank you. 10:43 You choose me. 10:47 But when I was going through that period 10:50 it was enlightening, 10:52 I was obtaining new information, 10:55 the Church was really what I was really looking for. 11:00 Sabbath school was something 11:02 that was really, really motivating to me as well. 11:05 So you know I was prepared, 11:07 I was right for the picking, you know. 11:10 Yes, you were. 11:11 So that's what you are looking for that, 11:13 when you, you, and I know you praying, 11:15 you're fasting, you know. 11:17 The leadership, go back tell us about 11:19 what is student association president. 11:21 You served as the student association president 11:24 at Oakwood University. 11:25 Tell us what is that all about. 11:27 Well, that was an awesome opportunity I had. 11:30 It is elected by the student body 11:32 and you're able to, you know, 11:34 you're given a budget of $300,000, 11:37 so you manage that budget and you plan student programs, 11:40 you are involved in every student issue 11:42 that goes on, on campus. 11:44 So the students about to get kicked out of school, 11:45 you know, you'll work with them on things. 11:48 I was involved on the selection of the new president. 11:52 So that was very important, you know, 11:54 and that was a huge issue, you know, surrounding that. 11:57 But that was very fun and you got the chance 12:00 to see the inner workings of the Adventist Church. 12:02 Oh that's amazing. 12:03 You were right there with the before president or presidents? 12:04 Exactly, I was right there with all the presidents. 12:06 And you were president. 12:07 And I have to say you know, 12:09 he demonstrated leadership skills 12:11 even prior to that. 12:13 Because he happened to be 12:15 on the "Motor City Youth Federation." 12:17 And he's gonna play there. 12:18 You know with myself as president, 12:22 he was my vice president, 12:23 so we worked really, really well. 12:25 I saw potential. 12:26 Oh, you saw that as a young man. 12:28 As a young man. 12:29 Well, you're beating the odds, all right, beating the odds. 12:32 Well, okay, what do you do now? 12:35 Tell us where you are now, 12:36 and you're saying because you graduate 12:37 from Oakwood, when? 12:38 Yes, I have graduated from Oakwood in May 2012, 12:41 so in this past May exactly. 12:42 Oh, yes. 12:43 So now what are you doing now? 12:44 Now I'm working in the Highland Park School District 12:47 Oh, you're going back home? 12:48 Yes exactly yeah. I think that's very important. 12:50 Giving back. Yes. 12:52 Now you doing some special programs in there? 12:54 Yes, we are doing, we are doing some special programs. 12:56 We've started a mentor program. 12:58 I think that's very important because you, 12:59 you show these young men and young women, 13:02 the people that's successful, 13:03 and young, you know, so they come in 13:05 and they speak with them and we're raising funds for it 13:08 to show them our side, 13:09 take them outside of Highland Park. 13:11 A lot of them haven't been outside of Michigan. 13:13 You know, we are 20 minutes outside Detroit. 13:15 So its like taking them outside, 13:17 there showing them, you know, 13:18 this is what your life can be, you know, 13:19 you don't have to settle for less. 13:21 Now were you hired by the school system into this? 13:23 Yes. 13:24 Okay, so you applied to the school system? 13:26 Exactly, so, I'm working, you know, 13:27 I work with small groups 13:28 and I work with a lot of discipline issues. 13:30 So anybody who usually gets in trouble, 13:32 I'll see them and talk to them about some issues 13:34 that's going on, meet with their parents 13:36 and try to come out with a solution to help them. 13:37 So what was your major at Oakwood? 13:39 My major is History, Education. 13:40 Isn't that something? Yes, yes. 13:42 Let's go back to meeting the parents. 13:44 Yes. Yes. 13:45 You know, I mean, here you are dealing 13:46 with some youth that maybe dealing 13:49 with some real difficult social issues 13:52 and you're meeting the parents. 13:54 What kind of support do you get 13:56 and what kind of barriers do you face? 14:00 Well, I think that is the most sobering aspect of it, 14:03 because I think when you meet the parents, 14:05 you understand, you know the difficulties 14:07 that these children are facing. 14:09 And I think that's the most important, 14:12 you know, aspect because its like, 14:13 I'm sitting here and I'm working this child 14:15 for eight hours a day. 14:16 But when they go home, all that's undone, 14:19 because of unstable, you know, home environment. 14:22 Because the parent is too young 14:23 or they do not have enough time you know, 14:25 because they have to work two jobs, 14:26 because they are single mothers. 14:28 And I think that's like, 14:29 that's the most sobering aspect of it all, 14:31 it's meeting the parent. 14:32 It's sad and you actually 14:34 you feel more compassion towards this child 14:37 and you really want to help them even more, 14:39 because you understand that you know at home, 14:42 there's no help there. 14:43 So how do the youth respond, when you do meet the parents 14:49 and you do see where they live 14:51 or and you are extending yourself? 14:54 How do they respond to you? 14:55 Well, I think a lot of them 14:57 you know are very thankful for it, 14:59 but at the same time they realize its like, 15:01 you know, well, I'm asking you right now, 15:03 for the rest of this. 15:04 You know the day I'm gonna be at home you know. 15:07 So at the same time some of them are thankful, 15:08 some of them think that I'm too hard on them you know, 15:10 and I tell them you know, 15:11 I wish somebody was this hard on me, 15:12 because I want you to understand, 15:13 I wish someone was this hard on my friends, 15:15 because I saw my friends, you know, take the same path, 15:17 when he is crazy because I went to the school, 15:20 I'm actually working it. 15:21 And I see some-- I can look in their eyes 15:23 and see some of my friends in their eyes, you know. 15:26 And it's so sad just looking like you know. 15:28 And you try to express to them that you can change. 15:31 You have to change because, you know, 15:33 society is just not gonna confirm 15:35 just because you know you grew up 15:37 in a certain situation. 15:38 Its not gonna confirm to you. 15:39 You have to change and do better. 15:41 So how does the community, you know, get involved? 15:44 I mean, here you are, 15:45 you are in a school district and school system. 15:48 Now, how is the community assisting you 15:50 as far as participating 15:53 or supporting you with your program? 15:54 Exactly, so one of the things I did, 15:56 I just started a mentor program. 15:57 So I just set up a site where, you know, people can go find 16:00 and I've been talking to community members. 16:02 I'm gonna meet with the mayor very soon of Highland Park. 16:05 And I am gonna be talking to churches. 16:06 Let them know, you know, these are children in your area 16:09 and this is what the church is for. 16:10 Whether you're Adventist, 16:11 whether you're not a denominational, 16:13 the churches are for to support the community. 16:15 And I think that's why a lot of people 16:16 have lost a lot of respect for churches, 16:18 is because they are not as involved 16:20 as they should be in the community. 16:21 So they now have to put these big gates 16:23 around their churches to keep people out. 16:25 But if the community felt like they were involved, 16:27 you wouldn't have to keep people out 16:29 because they will be loving, they'll be coming in. 16:31 They'll protect your church. 16:32 They'll protect the church. Exactly. 16:33 So I think that's important. 16:34 I've been talking with some of the pastors in our area 16:37 they're very open to helping me. 16:38 So I'm thankful for that. Well, that's a blessing. 16:41 Now, your mom, is she still living? 16:43 Yes, yes. Yeah, yeah. 16:44 Now are you the first college graduate of your family? 16:47 Yes, I'm the first college graduate of my family. 16:49 And I'm also the very first 16:51 in my entire family on my dad's side. 16:54 So yeah, out of his entire family. 16:56 Of the entire family? Yes. 16:57 Who attended your graduation? 16:59 Who attended my graduation? 17:01 My mother was there, my grandfather 17:03 who really you know had a big part in my life 17:06 when I went to college, because he stays in Alabama. 17:08 So he really helped me a lot. 17:10 And I had some aunties and aunts there. 17:13 So, yes and my brothers and sisters. 17:14 Your father wasn't there. 17:15 My father wasn't there. Okay. 17:17 He is in the Michigan and Detroit area or what? 17:19 Yes, he is. Yes, he is. 17:21 So do you communicate with him on regular basis? 17:23 Yes. Yes. 17:24 How's that going for you? 17:25 It's going well you know, 17:28 our relationship has improved you know, 17:30 of the past few years and you know, 17:32 I'm trying to you know, finding my heart to forgive. 17:34 So I think that's very important. 17:37 When you say you're finding your heart 17:38 to forgive, forgive what? 17:40 Well, I think that you know, like I say, 17:42 at first it didn't matter to me growing up 17:44 my father wasn't around. 17:45 That's wasn't an issue for me. 17:47 I think that you know, 17:49 when I got to school it really hit me like, 17:50 you know, my father was supposed 17:52 to be there you know. 17:53 All those times that I called him 17:55 was like you know are you coming? 17:56 And he would tell me, he was coming 17:57 but he wouldn't you know. 17:58 And me and my sisters would wait outside on the porch, 18:00 just waiting for him to come around the corner 18:02 and never would he come. 18:03 So I was like, that's how so I had a lot of, 18:05 you know, anger built in me. 18:07 And I think it all came out when I was at college. 18:09 I think I kind of really kind of understood, 18:12 you know, that he was really supposed to be there 18:15 and you know, so all those times, 18:16 I felt pretty bad you know, that he wasn't. 18:19 Did you talk to him about those feelings that you had? 18:23 I wouldn't say and I you know, 18:27 I think that we had conversations, 18:29 you know, over the years, 18:32 but I don't think I really had some-- 18:35 a serious sit down with him and explain to him. 18:37 But I think I'm past that. Okay. 18:39 Now I don't know, you know, 18:40 people say what you think you're past 18:41 but you are really not. 18:42 But I really think I'm past that 18:44 and it doesn't matter for me now, you know. 18:46 Even though it doesn't matter, 18:47 do you think it may be something that 18:50 you know would clear the air 18:52 as well as allow him an opportunity 18:54 to share with you some of his feelings 18:57 in regards to why he didn't show up? 19:00 Well, I think, I think that's, you know, 19:03 that would give him an opportunity 19:04 to do that and I mean I'm open to it. 19:07 Beating the odds, what do you see yourself, 19:10 you know, short term goals, long term goals? 19:13 Well, my short term goals is definitely, 19:17 you know, change a lot of lives I encountering 19:21 in Highland Park School District. 19:22 You know, I really want to work with them. 19:24 I really see myself being involved, 19:26 you know, in the community, 19:27 you know working with community members, 19:30 trying to improve our community, 19:31 because you know Detroit 19:32 is a hard hit community by violence 19:35 you know, drugs and youth that's 19:39 you know committing all these types of acts of violence. 19:41 So I think that I wish myself being 19:43 involved in the community a lot. 19:45 Okay and long term goals? 19:47 Long term goals, of course, long term-- 19:50 kind of short time is to getting married, you know. 19:52 So-- 19:54 So, you know, that's important to know, 19:55 women tend to say, 19:56 well, I've got to get marry, the clock is ticking. 19:58 Is that what's you're saying, 19:59 you're saying the clock is ticking? 20:00 I wouldn't say the clock is ticking, 20:03 but I think that I do want to settle down. 20:05 And get married really soon. 20:06 All right. That's nice. 20:08 One thing that I was thinking about 20:09 when you were talking about being 20:11 at Oakwood University is this statistic guide 20:16 that I read in regards to education 20:18 and how it affects black males. 20:21 One of things that, it discussed was that 20:25 out of a freshman's class 20:28 100 percent of the black males 20:30 only maybe 40 percent would graduate on time, you know. 20:36 Did you see a lot of males maybe dropping out or-- 20:41 Well, when I first attended school, 20:44 I actually graduated from high school 20:46 and my first year of collage was 2006. 20:49 And I remember that I ran some financial difficulties 20:51 so I dropped out for two years, come back to Detroit and work. 20:54 So I'm part of it and I understand 20:57 you know that is an issue. 20:59 And I think that, you know, 21:01 we see black males dropping out is pretty tuff you know, 21:05 and its hard, and I think you know, 21:08 you see that a lot. 21:10 You do see that a lot and I think that you see it 21:12 because some of them just never had the structure, 21:14 some of them don't know how important, 21:16 you know, school is, there're just there. 21:18 They don't have the foundation. 21:19 Exactly, the foundation that they need 21:21 and you know, so I do see that with a lot. 21:23 But I think you know it was more important 21:26 to just seeing the ones who do finish. 21:27 Absolutely. 21:28 I had a lot of friends that finished 21:30 and kind of kept me on board. 21:31 I mean, you got to stay focused, 21:32 you know, that this is very important for you in your life. 21:35 So, with that in mind you know, 21:39 you say, yeah a lot of friends 21:41 that supported you is it possible, 21:44 I mean with especially about you being community oriented, 21:49 I'm thinking that youth in high school, 21:53 you know, may need some brutal strong mentoring 21:56 and introduction as to what college life 21:59 has to offer in the barriers that they may have you know? 22:03 So, I mean like a program 22:04 that you are talking about will be essential 22:07 in trying to get out to the community, 22:10 to encourage them to stay in school. 22:13 Exactly and I believe that's the first part 22:16 because when I talk to high school students 22:18 you know in the area, 22:20 its like they don't even have a plan for college. 22:22 It's like you know, well, you want to go to college, 22:24 that's very important because you know in Detroit 22:27 is where the auto industry, you know used to take everybody 22:30 that didn't finish the school. 22:31 But now you know that industry is not, 22:34 you know, as strong as it once was. 22:36 So I try to explain them college is first important 22:39 and then you can let them know, when you get to college, 22:41 is even more important to stay there 22:43 and keep your grades up 22:44 so that you can get scholarship and things like that. 22:46 Excellent. 22:47 Well, you know again beating the odds, 22:51 we're praying for you, 22:53 your relationship with your father, 22:54 I think it's going to be very instrumental, 22:57 as you someday marry and become a father. 22:59 Do you want children? Yes, of course. 23:02 Yeah, all right. 23:04 You know, I think, you know some people get married 23:07 and they don't want children. 23:08 They are not many. Can I? 23:09 I want many, I want more children. 23:12 Kim, I can't imagine, shame on you 23:14 for thinking about right now. 23:16 That's something that I have to keep to myself, all right. 23:19 But let me say, you do that, you know. 23:21 Let me say this, 23:23 your leadership role in the church, 23:25 tell us how are you serving God's church? 23:28 You know we hear about the community, 23:29 what you've done at Oakwood University. 23:32 What are you doing in your home local church? 23:34 Yes. 23:35 Well, at my Church, coming back from Oakwood 23:37 and come and see your church is very interesting because-- 23:40 I can imagine. 23:41 Everything is not on time, 23:43 everything is not running smoothly, 23:44 so one things, you know, 23:45 I did was I was elected as an elder so I was-- 23:50 Oh, that's great, young elder. Great youth elder. 23:52 Yes, exactly. I like that. 23:54 Yes, so I'm really enjoying that role. 23:56 Do you preach? I do preach sometimes. 23:58 They do call me want to preach. 24:00 So, and I enjoyed that also. 24:03 So you know I enjoy talking to members and counseling them. 24:06 We started up a young adult ministry 24:08 where we have like a rap session on Friday nights 24:11 where we discuss our issues and share Scriptures. 24:14 And I think that's very important, 24:15 you know just as, as we ourselves 24:17 we see voted as vice-president 24:19 of the Motor City Youth Federation, 24:21 you know, they'll do a view 24:23 and you know, got to the church. 24:24 And that's the Motor City Youth Federation? 24:25 Yes, Motor City Youth Federation. 24:27 What do you expect out of being vice-president, 24:30 of the Motor City Youth Federation? 24:32 Well, I think we have a great leader 24:33 in Sandrew King and I'm going to, 24:36 he has a great vision for the youth and I expect, 24:38 you know, that we'll be working to save souls, 24:41 you know, because this is an area, 24:43 like I said, that really 24:44 you have a great opportunity to reach people. 24:47 People that have no home, you know, 24:48 because when people go outside and you shoot your neighbor 24:51 for having a disagreement over the music being too loud. 24:54 You know, that's a-- Or a cell phone. 24:56 Or a cell phone you know. 24:57 That's a generation that has lost hope. 25:00 So its like they don't have any jobs to go to you know, 25:03 so it's so easy for them to pick up a gun 25:05 and you know show violence. 25:07 So I think one of the important things is, 25:09 is just going out and reaching our youth. 25:11 Let them know that, 25:12 your life can be better you know. 25:13 Do some alternatives. Exactly, exactly. 25:15 Some other options you know. 25:17 What's your favorite Bible scripture? 25:20 You know, my favorite Bible scripture 25:21 is Proverbs 2, 3:5-6. 25:24 And its, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 25:26 lean not on your own understanding, 25:28 in all your ways acknowledge Him, 25:30 and He shall direct your paths." 25:31 All right, all right. 25:33 And I think that's so important thing. 25:34 All right but it's Proverbs 3:5, 6. 25:36 Yes, Proverbs 3:5,6. 25:38 Because that's one of Arthur's favorite scriptures. 25:40 Yes. It's his favorite. 25:42 When I think about the Word 25:43 and young people knowing the Word of God, 25:45 because it helps you to be solid, 25:47 it helps you to be rooted 25:49 and it will be the key to help you beat the odds. 25:52 Would you agree with that? Totally agree. 25:53 When you were at Oakwood, we have about a minute left. 25:56 When you were at Oakwood, 25:58 real quickly, did your spirituality increased 26:01 or did it detour you know? 26:03 I think my spirituality most definitely increased 26:06 and I think it's because I've people around me 26:08 to held me accountable, do you know, 26:10 and just the worship services is so, 26:12 you know, it is really focused on changing you life 26:15 and doing what you can for God. 26:16 Tell us quickly how many churches are involved 26:19 with the Motor City Youth Federation 26:21 and what is the Motor City Youth Federation? 26:23 Yeah, well the Motor City Youth Federation 26:25 is the organization for the youth of the Detroit area. 26:30 It's an Adventist organization 26:31 and the churches that are involved, 26:33 you know, is the surrounding areas in the Detroit area. 26:37 So you have like friends hanging all, 26:39 all those churches are kind of involved. 26:41 And the Motor City Youth Federation 26:42 is to foster youth programs and work saving youths' souls. 26:46 Well, all right. Excellent. 26:47 Well, we'll give about 20 seconds, 26:50 what would you say to somebody right now, 26:53 how to beat the odds? 26:54 I'll tell them, you know, to stay focused. 26:57 I think it's very important that you stay focused 26:58 and that you trust in God. 27:00 You know whatever happens, 27:02 you know, in your life you always 27:03 have to trust God because, 27:04 God will never leave you nor forsake you. 27:07 And I think that you have to realize, 27:09 you know, that one day God is going to be returning. 27:14 You have to stay focused and God will bless you. 27:16 Well Antwan, we want to thank you. 27:18 God bless you. 27:19 I am Dr. Kim Logan-Nowlin. 27:21 I'm Arthur Nowlin. 27:22 Thank you for joining us on "Making It Work." 27:25 God bless. |
Revised 2015-05-11