When we first started down this path the goal was to explore what exactly the proverbial white picket fence dream was, especially for people that looked like me. Hopefully, in the process create a system that allow people to follow their dreams and discover dreams that they never knew existed. It is my hope to bring more of that system to Drexel and Westphal BRIDGE program along with many of my talented friends and colleagues. In fact, this photo was taken by my longtime friend, photographer, and mentee, Reji Berrouet. The artwork is by my graphic designer and one of my other mentees, Robb Burruezo-Chambers, as well. You can see more of Reji’s work here and you can also see more of Robb’s work here.
During my time at CME Group before I joined Facebook/Meta I was really able to see some of the bigger issues working in finance. As a result, I joined the Black Organization for Leadership & Development or BOLD and leverages my experience working in the music industry and the arts along with my engineering to try to solve some of the bigger problems. Eventually, I took on the roles of Director of Innovation & Architecture and Co-Chair. Additionally, I joined the LAUNCH Board as I started to learn the issues of career advancement were not just limited to the black community and by addressing the issues that affected employees of the whole company there would be a better opportunity to help my black colleagues. There was pivotal point where I realized the same issues affected both the older, younger employees, and also by extension kids as well. So during Black History Month of 2022 before I left the company I put together an innovate to help people understand their strengths through some of my own struggles and history. I would love to work on a similar event or rather events, classes, and workshops for Drexel, the Center for Black Culture, and the Westphal BRIDGE program that tackles things like resume, development plans, networking, DEI, imposter syndrome, and more. Photo by Reji Berrouet. Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers
For years I always kicked around the idea of having my podcast or show based on my love SNL, Late Night Talk Shows, and other variety style tv shows that I watched growing up. However, for years until I started working in finance at CME Group I could never figure out how to bring more of personality or authentic self to work. It was not until I was forced to try to solve some of the bigger problems that I realized that I could use all of my experience and passion for solving problems and the arts to solve bigger problems. Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers
I have always been more comfortable working behind the scenes and finding fun and creative ways to help my friends, family, and colleagues. So I never envisioned they any show or podcast would simply be just about me. I always want it to be a way to show many of the talented people I know and help them and many others follow their dreams in the process. As a black man working in Corporate America I am always reminded of the wonderful quote from Toni Morrison, “'When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab-bag candy game.”
I always see people that remind me of myself and I try to empower others, but in the case of my co-host and co-producer, Kenan Soso. Here is someone who name and birthday were almost difficult time. Even though hiring someone like Kenan has made some for some interesting interactions because our names are so similar he was, in fact, the best person for the job. Plus, I kept remembering that Toni Morrison quote and I knew he would thrive at a place Facebook/Meta and I would have the opportunity to give him the opportunity that so many before me had given to me.
Obviously, the humor due the fact that our names were so similar was not lost on me so it only seemed right to have Robb work on some artwork inspired by Kenan & Kel. I cannot tell you how many times I heard, “hey, Kennan where’s Kel?” growing up too. The premise for the project is no different than the original idea that inspired white picket fence dreams. It is just a project that would explore the white picket fence dream through different jobs and careers at Facebook/Meta and elsewhere. Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers.
Promotional video by K Davis for Kennan & Kenan show with Facebook/Meta Mechanical Engineer Kenan Soso that explores his love of cars.
A fantastic event that I went to at the Warner Bros office in NY. I am hoping to bring a similar event to Drexel, especially with the young, black director of the Katrina Babies documentary Edward Buckles, Jr.
Kenyatta premiere at UPenn. I am hoping to bring a similar event to Drexel.
Andrew Miller and Lorna Miller at the Kenyatta premiere. Photo by Reji Berrouet
Malcolm Kenyatta (Pennsylvania State Representative), Lorna Miller (producer), Andrew Miller (composer), Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta (Weitzman's Director of Justice & Belonging) at Kenyatta premiere. Photo by Reji Berrouet
Andrew and Lorna’s super cute daughter with a picture of her awesome mom showing how important representation is.
Directorial debut of Lorna Miller
Concept for Thank You For Your Art Children’s Book featuring Andrew Miller coming soon. Artwork by Tyrell Waiters previously used for Drew’s instrumental album.
Photo by Reji Berrouet. Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers for the re-launch of Kennan’s podcast.
Video by K Davis featuring Andrew Miller breaking down his work on the Kenyatta documentary.
Artwork by Miggs for Reji Berrouet’s podcast coming soon.
Artwork by Miggs for Reji Berrouet’s photography workshop coming soon.
Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers for K Davis’ workshop coming soon.
Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers for the re-launch of Kennan’s podcast.
Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers for the re-launch of Kennan’s podcast.
Thank You For Art show and artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers. Season 2 of the show is coming soon.
Five Live of a Barber Docu-Series and Play featuring my barber JB The Barber coming soon. Photo by Reji Berrouet. Logo by my former graphic designer and Nas’ current graphic designer, Stayvers.
Promotion video for Five Lives of a Barber featuring my barber JB The Barber. Video by K Davis
Photo by Imaad Andrews. Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers for the documentary about my high school’s football team coming soon that I am helping produce. The documentary is one of the big projects to help launch the Oakcrest Alumni Association. My friend and fellow alumni, Michael Forest, is also now the current head coach.
Photo by Reji Berrouet. Artwork by Robb Burruezo-Chambers. The goal has always been to keep Rich’s memory alive through work in the community. We have taken a really innovative approach to improve the community and DEI through the arts, technology, workshops, fireside chats, and documentaries to help tell Rich’s story and the story of many others.